A Developer Rejects Your Bug
Step-by-Step Approach
- Start with calm communication.
- Don't argue immediately.
- Recheck that the bug is valid and reproducible.
- Validate your testing.
- Re-test the same scenario.
- Use proper test data and preconditions.
- Verify configuration and environment.
- Provide evidence.
- Screenshots.
- Logs.
- Screen recordings.
- Exact steps to reproduce.
- Clear Expected vs Actual Result in Jira.
- Discuss with the Developer.
- Have a quick call.
- Discuss during the Daily Stand-up.
- Many issues turn out to be misunderstandings or environment mismatches.
- Involve Leads if required.
- QA Lead.
- BA.
- Product Owner.
The goal is not to win an argument—it is to ensure product quality.
Professional Conclusion
Sometimes the Developer is correct.
In that case:
- Update the defect status to Rejected or Not a Bug.
- Add proper comments for traceability.
"It's Not a Bug, It's a Feature"
Step-by-Step Approach
- Stay calm and professional.
- Verify the requirement.
Cross-check against:
- Requirement Document
- User Story
- Acceptance Criteria
- Jira
- Confluence
If the behavior does not match the documented requirement, it is a valid defect.
- Gather evidence.
Include:
- Screenshots
- Test Data
- Build Version
- Collaborate with the team.
Discuss with:
- Business Analyst
- Product Owner
Sometimes requirement changes or communication gaps cause confusion.
Final Resolution
Once the BA or PO confirms:
- If it's a bug → Developer fixes it.
- If it's a feature → Close the defect with comments and update the Test Case.
Key Principle
Clarify the requirement rather than debate.
The objective is delivering the expected business behavior—not proving who is right.
A Bug Reappears After a Fix
Step-by-Step Approach
- Verify the issue again.
Use:
- Same environment.
- Same steps.
- Same test data.
- Same preconditions.
- Check for regression.
Determine whether:
- It's a regression caused by a new code change.
- The previous fix was incomplete.
- Document complete evidence.
Include:
- Screenshots
- Logs
- Build Version
- Steps
- Communicate with the Developer.
Report it as a Recurrent Defect.
- Perform Root Cause Analysis if needed.
Look for recurring patterns or dependencies.
- Strengthen Regression Testing.
Once fixed again, include the scenario in the Regression Suite.
You Can't Reproduce Someone Else's Defect
Step-by-Step Approach
- Verify the reported steps.
- Match:
- Environment
- Build
- Test Data
- Check:
- Browser
- Configuration
- Dependencies
- Document your observations.
- Collaborate with the original Tester or Developer.
Compare:
- Environment
- Data
- Steps
Determine whether the issue is:
- Environment-specific
- Browser-specific
- Intermittent
- If required:
- Log the findings.
- Escalate for further investigation.
- Involve the QA Lead or BA.
Professional Conclusion
Always remain objective and evidence-driven.
What Evidence to Include When Logging a Bug
A good bug report should include:
Screenshots
Highlight the exact issue.
Screen Recording
Useful for multi-step scenarios.
Logs
Examples:
- Application Logs
- Browser Console
- API Response Logs
Test Data
Include:
- Username
- Input values
- Steps
- Environment
Environment Details
Include:
- Browser
- Browser Version
- Operating System
- Build Number
URL / Configuration
Mention:
- Application URL
- Environment
- Configuration details
Providing complete evidence helps Developers reproduce and fix issues faster with minimal back-and-forth.
A Bug Is Marked "Won't Fix" or "Deferred"
Step-by-Step Approach
- Understand the reason.
Common reasons:
- Low business impact.
- Complexity.
- Upcoming release.
- Low priority.
- Evaluate business impact.
Assess:
- User impact.
- Business impact.
- Discuss if the issue is critical.
Collaborate with:
- Developer
- BA
- Product Owner
Present supporting evidence.
Sometimes priorities can change.
- Document the final decision.
Record the reason for:
- Won't Fix
- Deferred
This ensures future traceability.
Professional Conclusion
Respect the final prioritization decision once it has been made with complete information.
Justifying a Rejected Bug
When a Developer rejects your defect, justify it professionally—not emotionally.
Step-by-Step Approach
- Stay calm.
- Re-verify the defect.
- Collect solid evidence.
Most important:
- Screenshots
- Screen recordings
- Console logs
- Network logs
- Backend logs (if available)
Evidence makes the discussion factual rather than emotional.
- Validate against:
- Requirement Document
- Acceptance Criteria
- User Story
- Share a detailed explanation with the Developer.
- If the issue remains unresolved:
- Involve the QA Lead.
- Involve the BA.
FAQs
What Do You Do First When a Developer Rejects Your Bug?
Do not argue.
Re-test the issue with proper data and environment, confirm reproducibility, and present evidence instead of opinions.
How Do You Handle "It's Not a Bug, It's a Feature"?
Verify the behavior against the Requirement Document, User Story, and Acceptance Criteria.
If the implementation doesn't match, collect evidence and confirm with the BA or Product Owner.
What Do You Do When a Bug Reappears After a Fix?
Reproduce the issue again, determine whether it's a regression or an incomplete fix, report it as a recurrent defect, and include it in future regression testing.
What If You Can't Reproduce Someone Else's Defect?
Verify the environment, build, browser, configuration, and test data.
Collaborate with the original reporter to identify environment-specific or intermittent behavior.
What Evidence Should a Good Bug Report Include?
- Screenshots
- Screen Recording
- Logs
- API Responses
- Test Data
- Exact Steps
- Environment Details
- Build Number
- URL / Configuration
How Do You Respond to "Won't Fix" or "Deferred"?
Understand the business reason, evaluate the impact, discuss it if it's critical, and document the final decision for future traceability.
