SOFTWARE DEFECT TRACKING

An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for improved tracking of software item defects. The approach involves maintaining defect attributes for a particular software bug. Certain attributes are user-defined while others are derived. Attributes may be, for example, questions, requests for action, requests for approval, or others. The primary attributes and derived attributes for the bug are associated with users that are associated with the software bug, and a determination is made as to whether or not action is required by the individual users for the software bug using the attributes. If action is required, the user is alerted that action is required for the software bug. The actions and/or bugs may be presented to the user using an inbox format. The inbox may sort actions based on priority, what type of attribute is relevant to the user, or using other categorizations.