In Scrum, the goal is to deliver shippable software by the end of each sprint. Bugs that block production releases must be fixed within the sprint, while minor defects can be addressed later. Ideally, defects should be identified immediately after code delivery—preferably through TDD or BDD—so developers can resolve them while their knowledge is fresh. Bugs can be managed in Scrum by adding them to the Product Backlog or Sprint Backlog, prioritizing them based on impact, and addressing them within sprints. Delayed bug fixes increase effort and disrupt velocity accuracy, as unresolved defects in one sprint lead to inaccuracies in future sprint planning and tracking. Fixing bugs within the same sprint ensures accurate velocity calculations and maintains development efficiency.
What is a bug in Scrum?
In Scrum, a bug is a defect or issue in the software that causes it to behave incorrectly or not as intended. Bugs may arise due to coding errors, missed requirements, or integration issues. They are treated as Product Backlog Items (PBIs) and prioritized based on severity and impact. Critical bugs that block functionality should be fixed within the sprint, while lower-priority bugs are added to the backlog and addressed in future sprints. Proper bug handling ensures the increment remains shippable and meets the Definition of Done (DoD).
Do you estimate bugs in Scrum?
Yes, bugs in Scrum should be estimated, just like user stories, to help with sprint planning and velocity tracking. However, how they are estimated depends on the type of bug:
- Bugs Found During Development (Within the Sprint): If a bug is found while working on a user story, fixing it is considered part of completing that story and does not require a separate estimation.
- Bugs Added to the Product Backlog: If a bug is logged separately (not tied to a user story in progress), it should be estimated like any backlog item using story points or time-based estimates before adding it to a sprint.
- Critical Bugs (Blocking Release): High-priority bugs that must be fixed immediately may bypass estimation and be addressed urgently, but they still impact velocity and should be reviewed in the retrospective.
How does QA Touch help with bug management in Scrum?
QA Touch enhances bug tracking in Scrum by integrating with Jira and other tools, allowing teams to log, track, prioritize, and resolve defects efficiently. Bugs can be reported directly from QA Touch to the Scrum team’s backlog, ensuring smooth collaboration between testers and developers. By linking defects to test cases and sprint progress, QA Touch helps teams maintain a shippable increment, improve visibility, and streamline workflows. Its reporting features provide insights into defect trends, ensuring continuous improvement in Scrum projects.
