Defect lifecycle in Testing Fundamentals - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is a defect in software testing?

A defect is a flaw or bug in the software that causes it to behave unexpectedly or incorrectly.

beginner

Name the typical stages of a defect lifecycle.

The typical stages are: New, Assigned, Open, Fixed, Retest, Closed, Reopened, and Deferred.

beginner

What does the 'Assigned' status mean in a defect lifecycle?

It means the defect has been assigned to a developer or team to investigate and fix.

intermediate

Why might a defect be marked as 'Deferred'?

A defect is marked 'Deferred' when it is decided to fix it later, usually because it is low priority or not critical for the current release.

intermediate

What happens when a defect is 'Reopened'?

It means the defect was thought to be fixed but the problem still exists or reappeared, so it is reopened for further work.

Which status indicates a defect has been fixed and is ready for retesting?

A Open

B Fixed

C Closed

D New

The 'Fixed' status means the developer has resolved the defect and it is ready for the tester to retest.

What does the 'Closed' status mean in the defect lifecycle?

A Defect is assigned to developer

B Defect is rejected

C Defect is new and unassigned

D Defect is fixed and verified

'Closed' means the defect has been fixed and verified by the tester, so no further action is needed.

If a defect is found again after being closed, what status should it be changed to?

A Deferred

B New

C Reopened

D Assigned

When a defect reappears after closure, it should be 'Reopened' for further investigation.

Which status means the defect is acknowledged but will be fixed in a future release?

A Deferred

B Fixed

C Closed

D Rejected

'Deferred' means the defect fix is postponed to a later release.

Who usually changes the defect status from 'New' to 'Assigned'?

A Project Manager or Lead

B Developer

C Tester

D End User

The project manager or lead assigns the defect to a developer, changing the status to 'Assigned'.

Explain the journey of a defect from discovery to closure.

Think about the steps a bug goes through in a project.

Why is it important to track the defect lifecycle carefully?

Consider how tracking helps the team and product quality.