What stages does a defect go through in its life cycle?

The life cycle of a defect typically includes the stages of identification, investigation, and resolution.

In the identification stage, the defect comes to light, usually during testing or use of the software. This involves recognizing that a problem exists that deviates from expected behavior.

Once a defect is identified, the next stage is investigation. This is where deeper analysis is undertaken to understand the root cause of the defect, its impact on the system, and the conditions under which it occurs. This stage often includes gathering further information, performing additional testing, and analyzing logs or other data to pinpoint the precise issue.

Finally, the resolution stage involves fixing the defect. This may include changing the code, updating documentation, or implementing new processes to prevent recurrence. The resolution is followed by confirmation testing to ensure that the defect has been adequately addressed and that new issues have not been introduced as a result of the fix.

Understanding this flow is crucial for effective defect management and contributes significantly to improving software quality.