What is the primary goal of root cause analysis?

The primary goal of root cause analysis is to find the main cause of defects or issues. This process involves identifying the underlying factors that lead to a problem, allowing teams to address the root cause rather than merely treating the symptoms. By pinpointing the source of issues, organizations can implement effective solutions that prevent recurrence, ultimately improving the overall quality and reliability of their products or services.

In contrast, creating new software features pertains to innovation and development rather than addressing existing problems. Testing software in production focuses on ensuring that features work correctly in a live environment, which is a reactive approach to issues rather than proactive resolution. Categorizing bug severity is important for prioritizing fixes but does not involve the deeper investigation required to discover the fundamental causes of defects. Thus, the emphasis on identifying the root cause makes this analysis a crucial practice in problem-solving and quality improvement.