Monday, 16 April 2012

Defect Tracking: A Basic Overview


Defect trackingis the process of identifying and resolving problems in a product or service. Used interchangeably with the term "bug," the term "defect" often refers to errors in computer code that affect the usability of software programs. Therefore, the term is also used to refer to conventional and cloud-based computing systems that help software testers identify and resolve software errors. In this article, the term defect is used to refer to errors in software programs.
The Tracking Process
The process for tracking software errors is similar to the process for tracking other types of defects. For those who are not familiar with the process, it can be expressed in the following six steps:
  • Develop objectives for identifying and resolving bugs
  • Implement a system to facilitate the objectives
  • Resolve bugs and gather data
  • Use the data to formulate prevention strategies
  • Apply the strategies to future projects
  • Repeat the process as necessary
As the steps above demonstrate, tracking bugs involves more than examining and resolving bugs before the release date of a software program; it also involves gathering data and developing strategies to prevent problems from occurring in the future.
Choosing a System
For many companies, the most difficult step in the tracking process is the second step-implementing a defect tracking system. Before choosing a system, it helps to ask the following questions to determine the basic features the system needs:
  • Does company policy permit the use of cloud-based computing systems?
  • How many unique system users will access the system?
  • Will the system be used to address problems other than bugs?
The first question pertains to whether the system will be implemented on a web-based model or an in-house model. The former option typically costs less, and is often the best choice for maintaining flexible tracking options. The second question pertains to the number of users the system must accommodate. If a web-based system is used, choosing a system that can accommodate up to 2,500 unique users is the safest choice. The third question pertains to whether the system will be used to monitor problems other than bugs. If the answer is in the affirmative, tracking options for other problems within the infrastructure should be mandated when the system is implemented.
These features affect the ability of a company to address problems in a way that fulfills the goal of the tracking process: to prevent the same problems from occurring in future software releases. It also affects how easily important changes, such as adding new data options or more system users, can be made. Before implementing a system, a company should outline its basic tracking needs, and then consult with a web-based software provider to develop specific tracking options.
Implementing a professional defect tracking system can be crucial for resolving software errors in a timely, organized fashion, especially when the software development process includes several phases and multiple parties. To learn more about the benefits of using a cloud-based computing system for resolving bugs, contact a provider of issue and bug tracking software today.


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