What does 'priority' refer to in defect management?

In defect management, 'priority' refers to the urgency with which a defect should be addressed. This concept is crucial for effective project management and quality assurance since it helps teams prioritize their work based on the need for a quick resolution. When a defect is assigned a high priority, it indicates that it significantly impacts users or the functionality of the software, requiring immediate attention, perhaps due to its critical impact on business operations or user satisfaction.

On the other hand, while the seriousness of a defect is essential and relates to its impact, it does not reflect how quickly it must be fixed, which is what priority indicates. The number of users affected by a defect can inform the seriousness but does not directly denote the urgency required to address it. Resources required to fix a defect are important considerations in planning and execution but are not tied to the concept of priority, which focuses solely on the urgency for resolution. Thus, understanding priority aids teams in efficiently allocating their time and resources, ensuring that the most pressing issues are addressed promptly.