What is a bug?

In software testing, a bug is a type of defect or error that causes the software to behave in unexpected ways or produce incorrect results. A bug is a problem that occurs when the software does not function as intended or fails to meet its requirements. The term “bug” originated from the early days of computing when an actual insect caused a malfunction in a computer.

A bug can manifest in different ways, such as:

• Program crashes or freezes
• Incorrect or unexpected output
• Incorrect or missing functionality
• User interface issues
• Performance issues
• Security vulnerabilities

Bugs are typically classified based on their severity and priority. Severity is a measure of how serious the bug is, while priority is a measure of how quickly the bug needs to be addressed. Bugs with high severity and priority are given top priority and are addressed immediately to avoid any adverse impact on the software’s functionality and reputation.

Bugs are identified through various testing techniques, such as functional testing, regression testing, and user acceptance testing. Defect-tracking tools are used to record, track, and manage the bugs detected during the testing process. Once a bug is identified, it is reported to the development team for fixing and retesting.