What role does defect management play in the testing process?

Defect management is crucial in the testing process as it ensures that defects are not only identified but also handled properly throughout their lifecycle. This involves a systematic approach to managing defects from their discovery through to resolution, which includes several key activities such as logging defects, prioritizing them based on severity and impact, tracking their status, and ensuring that they are adequately addressed by the development team.

The process of defect management integrates various aspects of testing, such as communication between testers and developers, monitoring the progress of defect resolution, and ultimately verifying that defects have been resolved satisfactorily. It helps improve the overall quality of the product by ensuring that no issues are left unaddressed.

In contrast, managing only to identify defects or merely tracking their status does not encompass the full scope of what is required for effective defect management. A checklist for testing procedures, while useful, does not relate directly to defect management, as it does not facilitate ongoing communication or management of defects throughout the testing process. Thus, the correct answer highlights the comprehensive role defect management plays in ensuring effective quality assurance.