Defect tracking tools also automatically gather data from testing tools. Programmable data gathering enables users to develop data gathering capabilities. Use of the API allows the user to modify the application to collect data from other tools, e.g., test tools, databases, spreadsheets, or version control systems. Measurement Analysis Measurement analysis includes the ability to store, retrieve, manipulate, and perform analysis of defect data. The imple-mentation of these activities using defect tracking can be described with respect to data storage, queries, arithmetic analysis, statistical analysis, and redefined models.
Several tools provide mechanisms that allow the user to select from a variety of database systems.
Tools store historical project information, which can be used to produce past defect trends. Queries provide a method to retrieve stored data. Tools provide the capability to query proprietary and commercial databases. Queries allow the user to sort and filter defect information. Several tools provide graphical query builders and store the queries for later use.