Defect Lifecycle Analysis in Bug Tracking Systems

Abstract

Defect lifecycle analysis is important for understanding how software defects are reported, assigned, investigated, fixed, verified, reopened, and closed within bug tracking systems. Software projects often generate large numbers of defect records with different severity levels, priorities, ownership patterns, resolution times, and reopening histories. Traditional defect reporting may focus only on defect counts, but it does not fully explain how defects move through different workflow stages or where delays occur. This article focuses on defect lifecycle analysis in bug tracking systems by examining defect status transitions, fix duration, reassignment frequency, reopening rate, severity distribution, and closure efficiency. The study discusses how lifecycle metrics can help identify process bottlenecks, unstable modules, delayed verification, and recurring quality problems. The article concludes that structured defect lifecycle analysis can improve defect management, support better testing decisions, reduce resolution delays, and strengthen overall software quality.