What is a Bug Report?

A bug report is a document that details software or system errors (bugs) and provides developers with the necessary information to fix them. Bug reports are crucial for improving software quality, enhancing user experience, and ensuring quick resolution of issues.

How to Write an Effective Bug Report?

An effective bug report should be clear, complete, and accurate to help developers quickly understand and resolve the issue.

1. Bug Title

• The title should briefly and accurately describe the issue.
• Example: “Error: ‘Invalid username’ message appears when logging in.”

2. Bug Description

• A short paragraph describing the issue in detail.
• Example: “When entering the correct username and password on the login screen, the system incorrectly displays an ‘Invalid username’ error message.”

3. Steps to Reproduce

A step-by-step guide to recreating the issue.

1. Go to the login screen.
2. Enter a valid username and password.
3. Click the “Login” button.
4. The error message appears on the screen.

4. Expected vs. Actual Result

• Expected Result: The user should be able to log in successfully.
• Actual Result: The system displays an “Invalid username” error.

5. Environment Details

Information about the environment where the issue occurred:

• Operating System: Windows 10
• Browser / Device: Chrome 110.0.5481.100
• Application Version: v2.1.0
• Test Environment: Production (Live) / Staging (Test)

6. Screenshots or Videos

• Attach screenshots or screen recordings to visually demonstrate the issue.

7. Priority & Severity

• Priority: Urgency of fixing the bug (Low, Medium, High, Critical)
• Severity: Impact of the bug on the system (Cosmetic, Minor, Moderate, Critical, Blocker)

Bug Report Example

Title: “Registered users unable to log in – ‘Invalid username’ error”

Description: When entering valid credentials on the login screen, the system incorrectly displays an “Invalid username” error.

Steps to Reproduce:

1. Go to the login screen.
2. Enter “[email protected]” and “Test1234” as credentials.
3. Click the “Login” button.
4. The error message appears: “Invalid username.”

Expected Result: The user should be able to log in.
Actual Result: The user is unable to log in and sees an error message.

Environment Details:

• Operating System: Windows 10
• Browser: Chrome 110.0.5481.100
• Application Version: v2.1.0
• Test Environment: Production

Screenshots: (Attach screenshot here)

Priority: High
Severity: Critical

Advantages of Writing an Effective Bug Report

✔ Provides clear information to developers for faster bug resolution.
✔ Increases team productivity by preventing unnecessary back-and-forth discussions.
✔ Enhances software quality and ensures a better user experience.
✔ Facilitates bug tracking and improves testing processes.

Bug reports play a crucial role in software development. A well-documented and detailed bug report helps teams quickly identify and resolve issues, ensuring a smoother and more efficient software development process.