Final answer:
A quality problem found in software before release is known as a 'bug'. Testing is crucial in evaluating software quality to identify and fix these bugs, preventing potential functionality and performance problems.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term used to describe a quality problem found before the software is released to end users is bug. When engineers focus on the attributes of the product, they might miss certain defects, leading to an inadequate testing of prototypes. This oversight can result in the discovery of bugs. A 'bug' is a term commonly used to refer to an error, flaw, failure, or fault in a computer program or system that produces an incorrect or unexpected result, or causes it to behave in unintended ways.
The cause of the problem can be multifaceted, including lack of adequate testing, misunderstanding of the end user's needs, or simply human error in coding. The effect of the problem can range from minor inconveniences to major system breakdowns, depending on the severity of the bug. This quality issue becomes a problem because it can hinder the functionality, performance, and user experience of the software.
To evaluate the quality of a design, testing is essential. Different methods like unit testing, integration testing, system testing, and acceptance testing are utilized to ensure that bugs are found and fixed before the software reaches the end users.