Defect Life Cycle
The Defect Life Cycle is a systematic way of tracking problems found in software, from when they're first discovered until they're fixed. Think of it like tracking a package from order to delivery, but for software issues. Quality Assurance (QA) professionals use this process to make sure no problems slip through the cracks. It's also sometimes called "Bug Life Cycle" or "Issue Life Cycle." When you see this term on a resume, it means the person understands how to properly find, report, and follow up on software problems until they're resolved.
Examples in Resumes
Managed Defect Life Cycle process for enterprise software projects
Implemented standardized Bug Life Cycle tracking system reducing resolution time by 40%
Led team training on Issue Life Cycle management and documentation
Typical job title: "Quality Assurance Engineers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Quality Assurance Engineers
Online Communities
Professional Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you improve an inefficient defect management process?
Expected Answer: A senior QA should discuss establishing clear workflows, implementing proper tracking tools, setting up automated notifications, and training team members on best practices for defect reporting and management.
Q: How do you handle conflicting priorities when managing multiple defects?
Expected Answer: Should explain prioritization based on business impact, severity levels, customer needs, and available resources. Should also mention stakeholder communication and risk assessment.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What information should be included in a good defect report?
Expected Answer: Should mention steps to reproduce, expected vs actual results, environment details, severity level, screenshots or videos, and any relevant technical details that help developers understand the issue.
Q: Explain the different states in a defect life cycle.
Expected Answer: Should describe the main stages like New, Assigned, Fixed, Verified, and Closed, and explain how a defect moves through these stages.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is the difference between defect severity and priority?
Expected Answer: Should explain that severity refers to the impact of the bug on the system (how bad it is), while priority indicates how quickly it needs to be fixed.
Q: How do you decide if something is actually a defect?
Expected Answer: Should mention checking requirements documentation, confirming expected behavior with team members, and verifying if the issue is reproducible.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic defect reporting
- Using bug tracking tools
- Understanding defect states
- Basic testing techniques
Mid (2-5 years)
- Detailed defect analysis
- Defect tracking system administration
- Defect triage and prioritization
- Training others on defect reporting
Senior (5+ years)
- Defect management process improvement
- Complex defect analysis
- Defect prevention strategies
- Process optimization and team leadership
Red Flags to Watch For
- Unable to write clear defect reports
- No experience with bug tracking tools
- Poor communication skills
- Lack of understanding of basic testing concepts
- No knowledge of defect severity and priority differences
Related Terms
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