What Is Defect Taxonomy? Types, Examples, and How It Improves QA

Defect taxonomy is a systematic approach to categorizing software defects, enabling organizations to move from ad-hoc bug fixing to systematic quality improvement. It involves classifying defects by type, source, and impact to identify trends and root causes, leading to improved processes and defect prevention. This structured classification aids in better defect analysis, supports root cause analysis, and enhances quality metrics by providing a standardized framework. Various models, such as Orthogonal Defect Classification and IEEE Defect Classification, guide this process, while modern tools use AI and automation to enhance defect classification and analysis, making it more efficient and consistent. Ultimately, defect taxonomy helps organizations build more reliable and high-quality software systems by learning from defects rather than just labeling them.