Which term is used to denote a fault or error in a computer program?

The term "bug" is commonly used to denote a fault or error in a computer program. In the context of software development, a bug refers to any kind of mistake or defect in the code that leads to unexpected or incorrect behavior when the software is run. This term has its origins in early computing when actual insects would occasionally interfere with machines, but it has since evolved to encompass a wide range of coding errors, from minor mistakes to significant flaws that can crash systems.

While other terms like "issue," "glitch," and "flaw" may sometimes be used to describe problems in software, "bug" is the most established and widely understood in the programming community, making it the most appropriate choice in this context. An issue may refer to a broader range of problems, including user experience concerns and feature requests, while a glitch typically describes a temporary malfunction or irregularity that does not always indicate a code error. A flaw often implies a fundamental defect in design or logic rather than a specific error in code execution. Thus, "bug" remains the most precise term for denoting a fault or error in a computer program.