Manual Testing • Defect Management • Interview Important

How to Write a Bug Report
Step-by-Step Professional Guide

✔ Professional Format ✔ Real Example ✔ Interview Ready

Introduction

Writing a clear and detailed bug report is one of the most important skills for a QA tester. A well-written bug report helps developers quickly understand and fix issues.

What is a Bug Report?

A bug report is a document that describes a defect found in the software. It includes details about the issue, steps to reproduce, expected result, and actual result.

Important Fields in a Bug Report

  • Bug ID: Unique identifier
  • Title: Short description of issue
  • Description: Detailed explanation
  • Steps to Reproduce: Step-by-step process
  • Expected Result: What should happen
  • Actual Result: What actually happened
  • Severity: Impact of defect
  • Priority: Urgency of fix
  • Status: Open / In Progress / Closed
  • Environment: Browser, OS, Version
  • Attachments: Screenshots / Logs

Step-by-Step Process to Write a Bug Report

  1. Understand the issue clearly
  2. Reproduce the bug
  3. Write clear title
  4. Provide detailed steps
  5. Define expected and actual result
  6. Assign severity and priority
  7. Attach screenshots or logs

Real Example of Bug Report

  • Bug ID: BUG_Login_01
  • Title: User unable to login with valid credentials
  • Environment: Chrome 120, Windows 11
  • Steps to Reproduce:
    1. Open login page
    2. Enter valid username
    3. Enter valid password
    4. Click Login
  • Expected Result: User should login successfully
  • Actual Result: Error message displayed
  • Severity: High
  • Priority: High

Severity vs Priority

  • Severity: Impact on system functionality
  • Priority: Urgency to fix the defect
  • Example: Minor UI bug → Low severity, Low priority
  • Critical crash bug → High severity, High priority

Tools Used for Bug Reporting

  • JIRA
  • Bugzilla
  • Azure DevOps
  • Redmine

Best Practices for Writing Bug Reports

  • Be clear and concise
  • Avoid vague descriptions
  • Provide reproducible steps
  • Attach supporting evidence
  • Communicate professionally

Bug Report Interview Questions

What is a bug report?
A bug report is a document that describes a defect with steps to reproduce and expected results.

What is difference between severity and priority?
Severity measures impact; priority measures urgency.

What makes a good bug report?
Clear title, reproducible steps, detailed description and proper severity assignment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who writes bug reports?
QA testers write bug reports.

Can developers reject bug reports?
Yes, if issue is not reproducible or not valid.