Testers are familiar with a lot of defects and what can cause them. For example, one common problem happens when a database schema changes, but a developer forgets to update some of the code to handle the new schema. Recently I came across a similar situation but I hadn't ever seen it in this form before: the names of certain critical files were changed, but one part of the code wasn't updated.

After seeing that, it occurred to me that there could be or should be a table or spreadsheet somewhere that lists common symptoms caused by bugs, and their causes and cures. It would be a lot like a medical directory where you look up diseases and symptoms and discover the offending bug and its cure.

Since I don't know of any such thing, I thought I would start working on it. If anyone knows of such a thing or would like to contribute to this tool, please feel free to write to <a href="mailto:dr.john@qapow.com">Dr. John</a>.