Independent Testing: Bug Severity & Priority

Defect (bug) – is the mismatch of the factual result of the executed program with the expected result. Defects are detected on the stage of software test services when tester compares the received results (of the program performance, components or design) with the expected results described in the requirements specifications.

Defect has its severity and priority in independent testing as any other software testing service. What are these attributes?

Severity – is the attribute that shows the influence of defect on app performance. Tester exposes severity.

Severity Gradation:

• S1 – Blocker. Blocking error that leads application inoperable, and this causes problems in further work with the tested system or its key functions. Problem solution is needed for further system functioning.
• S2 – Critical. Critical defect, hole in the security system that led to the temporary server crash or can cause inoperable some part of the system, without possibilities to solve the problem using other input points.
• S3 – A major error, part of the core business logic works incorrectly. The error is not critical or there is the opportunity for work with the function under test using other input points.
• S4 – Minor. Minor defect doesn’t violate the business logic of the tested application part, it’s an obvious error of user interface. Such error can be eliminated due to user interface testing service.
• S5 – Trivial. The given error doesn’t relate to business logic and has no effect on the overall product quality.

Priority – is the attribute that specifies the order in which the defect should be fixed. One may say that it’s a tool used by PM. The higher priority is, the faster you need to fix the defect.

Priority Gradation:

• P1 – High. The defect should be fixed as fast as possible because its presence is critical for the project.
• P2- Medium. The defect should be fixed, but its presence no is that critical and needs a further solution.
• P3 – Low. The defect should be fixed, but its presence is not critical and also doesn’t need a fast solution.