A software defect (bug) is an error, flaw, or condition that causes a program to behave differently from its intended design. A software bug can cause an application to produce incorrect results, display unexpected messages, or behave differently than intended. People also use the term software glitch to describe unexpected or temporary behavior in a program.
A bug does not include a difference of opinion about how the software should work or the absence of a feature or capability.
Software bugs can take several forms, including:
These examples qualify as software defects because the program fails to behave or display information as intended.
Differences of opinion about how software should work do not constitute bugs when the software meets its intended design and applicable requirements.
Likewise, the absence of a feature or capability does not automatically indicate a software defect. If a program lacks a particular function, that does not necessarily mean the software has a bug. The original design may simply omit that feature.
The distinction matters when evaluating software problems. A defect means something does not work as intended, while a feature request asks for something new or different.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Bug Framework provides a more technical classification of software bugs, related faults, and security weaknesses. NIST also explores the distinctions between these terms in its research paper, Bug, Fault, Error, or Weakness: Demystifying Software Security Vulnerabilities.
For businesses evaluating software, understanding a program’s intended functions is equally important. Aptora offers additional guidance on choosing the right business management software and understanding different types of business software.
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Introduction A software defect (bug) is an error, flaw, or condition that causes a program to behave differently from its intended design. A software bug
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