When should a team be prepared to deal with a defect that is found?

A team should be prepared to deal with a defect that is found during the middle of an iteration or post-delivery because addressing defects as they arise is essential for maintaining product quality and ensuring timely delivery. In an iterative development process, continuous feedback and testing allow teams to identify and rectify defects quickly. This proactive approach helps in minimizing the impact of defects on the overall project, facilitating adjustments and improvements in real time, rather than waiting until the end of a development cycle or after release.

When defects are identified during the iteration process, the team can allocate resources effectively to resolve them, ensuring that they do not accumulate and lead to larger issues down the line. This practice is particularly relevant in agile methodologies, where iterative development cycles emphasize adaptability and customer satisfaction. By resolving defects early, teams can also enhance their collaboration and communication, which contributes to a healthier development environment.

In contrast, addressing defects only during the testing phase or after final release may result in unnecessary delays and complications, while dealing with defects during production can compromise user experience and trust in the product.