What is a human action that results in an incorrect outcome referred to as?

A human action that results in an incorrect outcome is referred to as an error. In the context of software testing and quality assurance, an error occurs when a person makes a mistake in the process of creating or executing a task. For example, if a software engineer misinterprets a requirement and implements the code incorrectly, that misinterpretation is the error.

Understanding errors is crucial in the context of agile testing, where teams often emphasize collaboration and communication. Identifying and correcting errors early in the development process can prevent them from propagating into defects in the final product.

In contrast, a defect refers specifically to a variance between the actual and expected results in the software, which may arise from an error. A failure denotes the inability of a system to perform a required function, reflecting the impact of defects on the software's performance. A flaw is often used interchangeably with defect, but it can sometimes refer to a broader issue within the software design or architecture rather than a specific mistake made by an individual.