2026-06-10 - 6 min read
Introduction
In software testing, identifying a bug is just the beginning. What happens next is governed by a structured journey called the Bug Life Cycle. Understanding this cycle is crucial for effective communication, expedited resolutions, and enhanced software quality.
Whether you are new to QA or want a refresher, this blog walks through each stage of the bug life cycle and why it matters.
Bug Life Cycle Flow
What Is the Bug Life Cycle?
The Bug Life Cycle, also known as the Defect Life Cycle, represents the sequence of states a bug goes through from discovery to closure. Each stage is a checkpoint that defines the current status of the bug and the action required.
Typical Stages in the Bug Life Cycle
New
A QA engineer reports the bug and is awaiting triage. No actions have been taken yet.
Assigned
The bug is assigned to a developer for investigation and resolution. An assignment is usually done by a team lead or project manager.
Open
The developer has acknowledged the bug and is working on a fix.
In Progress
The developer is actively coding a solution or analyzing the issue.
Fixed
A fix has been made and submitted. The bug status is updated, and it is sent back to QA for verification.
Ready for Retest / Retest
QA retests the application to confirm whether the issue is truly resolved in the updated build.
Verified
QA confirms the bug is fixed and behaves as expected. The bug is ready to be closed.
Closed
The bug is officially marked as closed. No further actions are needed.
Reopened
If the bug reappears or was not fixed properly, it is reopened and reassigned.
Rejected / Not a Bug / Duplicate / Won't Fix
- Rejected: The report is invalid.
- Not a Bug: The reported behavior is intentional or expected.
- Duplicate: The same issue has already been reported.
- Won't Fix: The issue is acknowledged but will not be resolved due to low impact or business decisions.
Why Is the Bug Life Cycle Important?
- Clarity: Helps QA and development teams stay aligned on bug status.
- Accountability: Defines who is responsible at each step.
- Prioritization: Supports better triaging and faster decision-making.
- Traceability: Makes it easy to track bugs for audits and post-release reviews.
Tips for Effective Bug Life Cycle Management
- Use proper bug tracking tools like JIRA, Bugzilla, or Azure DevOps.
- Write clear, detailed bug reports.
- Always include screenshots, logs, or screen recordings when possible.
- Respect the defined workflow and transitions in your project or organization.
- Regularly triage bugs in sprint planning or stand-ups.
Real-World Scenario
If the same issue reoccurs in another module, the bug may be reopened and go through the cycle again.
- Status: New
- Assigned to a developer: Assigned
- Developer begins work: In Progress
- Developer pushes fix: Fixed
- QA tests the new build: Retest
- Bug is confirmed fixed: Verified
- QA closes the bug: Closed
Example
A QA tester is checking the login page of a banking app. When they enter valid credentials, the login button does nothing. The QA tester files a bug in JIRA.
- New: QA finds the issue and logs a bug: Login button not working on click.
- Assigned: The bug is assigned to a developer to fix.
- In Progress: The developer investigates and begins the task.
- Fixed: The developer fixes the bug and marks it as fixed.
- Retest: QA retests and confirms the login button now works.
- Verified: QA verifies that the bug has been fixed.
- Closed: QA closes the bug since it is fixed.
Final Thoughts
As a QA engineer, your role is not just to find bugs. It is to manage them efficiently through their entire life cycle. Mastering the bug life cycle means fewer surprises, faster resolutions, and better teamwork. It is a small process that plays a big role in delivering high-quality software.