What is Bug on Website? Definition, Types & How to Check It

What is Bug on Website?

A website bug is a term used to describe errors or issues in the code or functionality of a website that cause it to malfunction.

These errors can manifest in various forms, such as broken layouts, non-functioning website features, or user interaction problems.

The causes of these bugs can be attributed to various factors, such as coding mistakes or improper server configurations.

Types of Website Bug

After knowing what is bug, you should also take into consideration the types of website bugs. It is essential to grasp their different types, as they can significantly impact website performance and user experience (UX).

Here are several common types of it:

1. Functional Error

What is bug, especially in functional error? A functional error occurs when a feature or function on the website does not work as intended.

It includes, for instance, non-functional buttons, unfillable forms, or inaccessible pages.

2. Performance Defects 

When a website has issues with speed, response time, stability, and resource usage, you need to check for the presence of performance defects.

This is because this type of bug is related to performance and speed problems on the website.

For example, the slow loading speed of the website or unoptimized images and content.

3. Usability Defects 

After understanding performance defects, do you know what is bug usability defects are? These bugs are related to user experience and non-intuitive navigation issues.

This can happen when a website has a UI design that is too complex, making it difficult for users to find the information they are looking for.

Common examples of usability defects include unclear page layouts and buttons that are hard to identify.

4. Compatibility Error 

When a website's display is broken or does not function properly on certain browsers or devices, one of the reasons could be compatibility errors.

What is a compatibility error bug? This bug occurs when the website is not compatible with various devices and browsers used by users.

5. Security Error 

In accordance with knowing what is bug, you should also be familiar with this type of security error. 

Compared to other types of bugs, security errors are the most dangerous because they directly relate to the security of a website. 

Security bugs pose a significant threat to website safety as they exploit vulnerabilities in its defenses. 

By taking advantage of these weaknesses, malicious actors can gain unauthorized access to sensitive data, leading to potential data theft or severe damage to the website's functionality and reputation. 

Therefore, it is crucial for website administrators to remain vigilant and implement robust security measures to protect against such threats.

6. Syntax Error 

This bug occurs when there are errors in the coding or syntax of a website. Syntax errors result in the website not functioning properly or even crashing. 

7. Logic Error

Understanding logic errors is essential to maintaining a well-functioning website. These bugs are tied to problems within the website's logic or algorithms.

For instance, they may cause inaccurate calculations or disrupt the search algorithm, which accordingly leads to incorrect search results.

Regular code reviews and thorough testing can help uncover and resolve these issues, ensuring the website operates flawlessly and meets user expectations.

Website Bug Test

Knowing what is bug on a website and their types is just the starting point. 

To ensure the website operates smoothly and delivers an optimal user experience, you must also know how to effectively check for these bugs.

Thankfully, there are several methods available to conduct a thorough bug check on a website. Here are some of the key approaches:

1. Mobile Friendly Test

Considering the widespread use of mobile devices to access the internet, a website must be responsive and adaptable to various devices.

You can use the Mobile Friendly Test to examine the appearance and performance of the website on different devices to ensure it looks and functions well.

2. Accessibility Testing

The W3C provides guidelines that companies must follow before launching their websites. These guidelines ensure that the website is accessible to people with disabilities.

Therefore, a website should be readable, and images and fonts should be resizable. Both of these aspects can be checked using accessibility testing.

3. HTML and CSS Testing

If you know what is bug and want to identify issues in the structure and appearance of the website, performing HTML and CSS testing is highly essential.

This examination plays a crucial role in ensuring there are no syntax errors or problems in the website's source code. 

Utilizing tools like Google Webmaster can facilitate this process and provide valuable insights into the website's overall health. 

By conducting thorough HTML and CSS testing, you can ensure a smooth and error-free user experience for your visitors.

4. Security Testing

Conducting a website bug test through security testing is crucial, especially if your website is related to online shopping or banking.

This check will identify potential security vulnerabilities on your website. By doing so, you can protect the website from potential hacking attacks, ensuring user data remains safe. 

5. Performance Testing

Performance testing is crucial for ensuring the smooth functioning of a website, especially during periods of sudden traffic surges.

If you know what is a bug and continue to conduct performance testing, you can identify potential bugs that may arise due to increased user activity. 

This comprehensive evaluation examines the speed and overall performance of the website, and helps maintain the website's stability even under heavy usage, ensuring seamless navigation and efficient interaction with your content.

6. Beta Testing

Beta testing is a crucial step before officially launching a website, as it involves engaging a group of users to evaluate its performance.

By inviting users to explore and interact with the website, you can gather valuable feedback from their firsthand experience. 

This feedback plays a vital role in identifying any issues or bugs that might have been overlooked during the development phase.

Additionally, conducting beta testing helps you ensure that the website is thoroughly evaluated from an end-user perspective and allows you to make necessary improvements accordingly.