Defect tracking is a systematic process used in software development to identify, record, and manage defects or bugs in a product. This process helps teams monitor issues from discovery to resolution, ensuring that all defects are addressed before the final release. Tools like JIRA or Bugzilla are commonly used to facilitate this tracking. Effective defect tracking improves product quality and enhances team communication. By documenting defects, teams can analyze patterns, prioritize fixes, and allocate resources efficiently. This ultimately leads to a more reliable product and a better user experience, as issues are resolved in a timely manner.