Bug tracking is the process of identifying, documenting, and managing bugs or defects in software development. A bug is an error, flaw, or issue in the code that causes a program to behave unexpectedly or produce incorrect results. Bug tracking is a critical aspect of quality assurance, as it ensures that issues are systematically recorded, prioritized, and resolved before the software is released to users. Developers and QA teams use bug tracking tools like JIRA, Bugzilla, and Trello to keep track of reported bugs, assign them to the appropriate team members, and monitor their status through to resolution.

Effective bug tracking involves more than just logging errors; it also requires clear communication and collaboration among team members. Detailed bug reports typically include information about the environment in which the bug occurred, steps to reproduce it, the expected outcome, and the actual result. Prioritizing bugs is crucial, as some may be critical to the functionality of the software, while others may be minor issues that can be addressed in future updates. A well-maintained bug tracking system helps ensure that software is delivered with the highest possible quality, reducing the likelihood of defects in the final product.