Can you describe a challenging bug you encountered in a previous project and how you resolved it?

Interview Question: Can you describe a challenging bug you encountered in a previous project and how you resolved it?

During a previous project, I encountered a challenging bug related to the authentication process on our web application. The bug was causing some users to be unable to log in, while others were experiencing unexpected account access. This was a critical issue as it compromised the security and usability of the application.

To resolve this bug, I first conducted thorough testing to replicate the issue and understand its root cause. Through detailed analysis, I discovered that the bug was occurring due to a conflict between the user roles assigned in the database and the permissions set in the application's code.

After identifying the source of the bug, I worked closely with the development team to implement a fix. This involved updating the authentication logic to ensure that user roles and permissions were synchronized correctly. I also performed rigorous testing to verify that the bug was fully resolved and that the authentication process was working as intended for all users.

By addressing this challenging bug in a systematic and collaborative manner, we were able to enhance the security and functionality of the web application, ensuring a seamless user experience for all our customers.