Defects related definitions

Defect

* The difference between the functional specification (including user documentation) and actual program text (source code and data). Often reported as problem and stored in defect-tracking and problem-management system

* Also called a fault or a bug, a defect is an incorrect part of code that is caused by an error. An error of commission causes a defect of wrong or extra code. An error of omission results in a defect of missing code. A defect may cause one or more failures.

* A flaw in the software with potential to cause a failure..

Defect Age - A measurement that describes the period of time from the introduction of a defect until its discovery.

Defect Density - A metric that compares the number of defects to a measure of size (e.g., defects per KLOC). Often used as a measure of defect quality.

Defect Discovery Rate - A metric describing the number of defects discovered over a specified period of time, usually displayed in graphical form.

Defect Removal Efficiency (DRE) - A measure of the number of defects discovered in an activity versus the number that could have been found. Often used as a measure of test effectiveness.

Defect Seeding - The process of intentionally adding known defects to those already in a computer program for the purpose of monitoring the rate of detection and removal, and estimating the number of defects still remaining. Also called Error Seeding.

Defect Masked - An existing defect that hasn't yet caused a failure because another defect has prevented that part of the code from being executed.