The Software Bug Life Cycle
In the dynamic world of software development, bugs are an inevitable part of the process. No matter how rigorously a program is designed, coded, and tested, bugs can always slip through. To effectively manage and address these issues, software teams follow a well-defined process called the Software Bug Life Cycle. This article will delve into the seven critical steps of this cycle: New, Assigned, Open, Fixed, ReTest, Verified, and Close.
1. New
The first step in the bug life cycle is when a bug is reported or identified. This can happen through various channels such as user feedback, automated testing, or manual testing. When a bug is discovered, it is logged into the bug tracking system with detailed information. This includes a descriptive title, steps to reproduce the issue, the environment in which it occurred, and any other relevant data that can help the development team understand the problem.
2. Assigned
Once the bug is logged, it enters the “Assigned” phase. In this stage, a designated team member, usually a project manager or a team lead, reviews the bug report. They assess its severity and priority, considering factors like impact on users, system stability, and business requirements. Based on this evaluation, the bug is assigned to the appropriate developer or development team responsible for fixing it.
3. Open
Once a developer or a team receives the bug assignment, it becomes “Open.” The assigned developer investigates the issue, attempts to reproduce it, and analyzes the underlying cause. They might interact with the bug reporter or other team members to gain additional insights or clarify any ambiguities.
4. Fixed
After understanding the root cause of the bug, the developer proceeds to implement the necessary changes to fix it. Once the changes are made, the bug is marked as “Fixed.” In this stage, the developer should provide relevant comments or notes explaining the solution applied to address the issue.
5. ReTest
After the bug is marked as “Fixed,” it moves to the “ReTest” phase. Here, the assigned tester or quality assurance (QA) engineer verifies the bug fix. They follow the steps provided in the bug report to reproduce the issue and check if the fix has indeed resolved the problem. If the bug is not reproducible anymore and the issue appears to be resolved, the bug is marked as “ReTest Passed.”
6. Verified
Once the “ReTest Passed” status is assigned, the bug enters the “Verified” phase. In this stage, a senior or lead tester reviews the bug and the test results to ensure that the issue has been adequately addressed and that no other side effects have been introduced. If everything checks out, the bug is approved and moved to the next step.
7. Close
The final stage of the Software Bug Life Cycle is “Close.” The bug is marked as “Closed” after it has been successfully fixed, retested, and verified. A closed bug indicates that the issue is resolved, and the team can confidently move forward with the software release. However, the bug history and related data are retained for future reference and analysis.
The Software Bug Life Cycle is a systematic approach that ensures efficient bug management and timely resolution. From the initial reporting to the final verification, each step plays a crucial role in maintaining the software’s quality and user satisfaction. By following this cycle diligently, software development teams can mitigate the impact of bugs, foster effective collaboration, and deliver more reliable and robust products to their users.
