Bugs Are Just Misunderstandings

Most bugs aren’t logic errors. They’re miscommunication between developers and requirements.

We build what we think was asked for, not what was actually needed.

The Communication Stack

flowchart TD
    A[Business Need] --> B[Requirements Doc]
    B --> C[Tech Spec]
    C --> D[Code Implementation]
    D --> E[User Experience]
    
    A -.->|Lost in translation| E
    
    F[Bug Report] --> G[Symptom]
    F --> H[Root Cause: Communication Gap]
    G --> I[Code Fix]
    H --> J[Process Fix]

The Translation Layers

Each handoff introduces potential misunderstanding:

Business → Requirements

• “User-friendly” means different things to different people
• Assumptions fill gaps in specifications
• Edge cases get overlooked in overview meetings

Requirements → Development

• Technical constraints vs. business wishes
• “Should work like X” without defining X
• Implicit knowledge that never gets documented

The Debugging Paradox

graph LR
    A[Bug Reported] --> B{Where do we look?}
    B --> C[Code Logic]
    B --> D[Communication Logic]
    C --> E[Syntax Fix]
    D --> F[Conversation Fix]
    E --> G[Temporary Solution]
    F --> H[Permanent Prevention]

The real debugging happens in meetings, not in code.

Common Miscommunication Patterns

The Bug Lifecycle

1. Unclear requirement
2. Assumption-based implementation  
3. Works in developer's context
4. Fails in user's context
5. Bug ticket created
6. Symptom patched
7. Same misunderstanding resurfaces

Breaking the Cycle

Before coding:

• Define success scenarios explicitly
• Document the “why” behind requirements
• Test understanding with examples
• Clarify edge cases upfront

During development:

• Question ambiguous specifications
• Share progress early and often
• Demo frequently with stakeholders
• Document decisions and assumptions

The computer does exactly what we tell it to do, not what we meant. The gap between intention and instruction is where bugs live.

Fix the conversation, fix the code.