What is defect cascading in software testing?

Defect cascading is a phenomenon in software development and testing where a single defect or change in one part of a system leads to a series of other defects or issues in other parts of the system. This can occur for several reasons:

Interconnectedness: Software systems are typically composed of many interconnected modules or components. A change in one module can impact other modules that depend on it, potentially introducing new defects.

Dependency: Modules or components in a software system often depend on specific inputs or outputs from other modules. If the behavior of one module changes, it can affect the inputs or outputs of other modules, leading to defects.

Integration Issues: In systems with multiple components developed by different teams or at different times, changes in one component may not be compatible with other components, causing defects to cascade through the system.

Incomplete Testing: If changes or defects are not thoroughly tested, it is possible that related defects may not be identified initially, leading to cascading defects later in the development process or during deployment.

Complexity: Complex systems with many interacting parts are more prone to defect cascading, as it can be challenging to predict all the ways in which changes in one part of the system may impact other parts.

To mitigate the risk of defect cascading, thorough testing practices, including regression testing, are essential. Additionally, clear documentation and communication among team members can help ensure that changes are understood and coordinated to minimize the risk of unintended consequences.

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