Defect Density

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What Does Defect Density Mean?

Defect density is a software testing and quality assurance (QA) method used to find the intensity and concentration of logical flaws in a software program, component or product. It refers to the ratio of functional or technical defects found in software or components related to the entire software application over a certain period.

Techopedia Explains Defect Density

Defect density is used to test software applications and modules relative to its known defects. Although defect density evaluation methods can vary, it is calculated by dividing the number of defects by the total size of the software or component. All validated or confirmed defects are included, whereas software size may be in the form of function points or source lines of code (SLOC).

Defect density is further evaluated over a predefined period.

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Margaret Rouse
Technology Expert
Margaret Rouse
Technology Expert

Margaret is an award-winning technical writer and teacher known for her ability to explain complex technical subjects to a non-technical business audience. Over the past twenty years, her IT definitions have been published by Que in an encyclopedia of technology terms and cited in articles by the New York Times, Time Magazine, USA Today, ZDNet, PC Magazine, and Discovery Magazine. She joined Techopedia in 2011. Margaret's idea of a fun day is helping IT and business professionals learn to speak each other’s highly specialized languages.