a software bug

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a software bug" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an error or flaw in a software program that causes it to produce incorrect or unexpected results. Example: "The development team is working hard to fix a software bug that is causing the application to crash unexpectedly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Some news accounts have laid blame for the glitch on a software bug.

The New York Times

Naturally, the first Steam release had a software bug that needed to be quickly fixed.

The Economist

An interesting story about the a software bug in the most popular slot machine in Vegas.

MIT Technology Review

The problem was a wire connection failure, not a software bug.

The New York Times - Science

But a software bug that literally crashes your car is another thing altogether.

The Washington Post

But if there is a software bug or whatever that causes a crash then we will be held responsible".

The Guardian - Tech

In what appears to be a software bug, he occasionally interprets obviously friendly neighbors as ferocious enemies.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

The problem is that on the Windows version (I also played the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions a bit), a nasty software bug often prevents you from actually firing the missiles — another level I had to restart.

The New York Times - Arts

It's not a physical problem with the CPUs themselves, or a plain software bug you might find in an application like Word or Chrome.

TechCrunch

"If one crashed because of an application software bug or a computer virus, it would not affect the other, because the other system's basic instruction set and stack would still be intact," he wrote.

The New York Times

A week later, Apple said it had found that because of a longstanding software bug, the iPhone 4, and its predecessors, often overstated signal strength.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When reporting "a software bug", provide specific details about the context in which it occurs. Include information such as the software version, the steps to reproduce the bug, and the expected vs. actual results. This helps developers diagnose and fix the issue more efficiently.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that there's "a software bug" without further explanation. Vague descriptions hinder effective communication and problem-solving. Instead, be precise about what the bug does, when it happens, and how it affects the user experience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a software bug" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms that this is a common and grammatically sound usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a software bug" is a common and acceptable way to describe an error or flaw in software. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage, indicating it adheres to standard grammar rules. Appearing most frequently in "News & Media" and "Science" contexts, it serves to identify a problem needing attention. Related phrases include "programming error" and "coding defect", offering similar meanings. When using the phrase, provide specific details about the bug for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a programming error

Replaces "software bug" with a more general term for mistakes in code.

a coding defect

Emphasizes the flaw's origin in the coding process.

a software glitch

Suggests a minor, often temporary malfunction.

a system fault

Broadens the scope to include the entire system, not just the software.

a logic error

Specifies that the error is within the program's logic.

a software malfunction

Focuses on the improper functioning of the software.

a runtime error

Indicates that the error occurs during the program's execution.

an application error

Specifies that the error relates directly to application performance.

a program fault

Replaces "software" with the more general term "program".

a software flaw

Highlights the imperfection or weakness in the software's design or implementation.

FAQs

How do I report "a software bug" effectively?

To report a software bug effectively, provide clear and concise steps to reproduce the issue, detail the expected versus actual behavior, specify the software and hardware environment, and include any error messages or logs.

What are some common causes of "a software bug"?

Common causes of software bugs include coding errors, misunderstanding requirements, integration issues, inadequate testing, and changes in the environment the software operates in.

Which is the difference between "software defect" and "a software bug"?

The terms "software defect" and "a software bug" are often used interchangeably, referring to flaws in software that cause it to deviate from its intended behavior. "Defect" may imply a more formal or serious issue, while "bug" is more casual.

What can I say instead of "a software bug"?

You can use alternatives like "programming error", "coding defect", or "software glitch" depending on the context.