Online review sites such as CrowdReviews.com provide the best bug tracking software reviews to help organizations gain substantial information on the features and benefits of this type of software. Since companies today use automated systems to efficiently conduct their business operations, it cannot be avoided that certain software issues are encountered along the way. Bug tracking software provides the solutions in handling and managing these technical concerns and enabling software manufacturers to have a clear view on how to properly address the problem.
Knowing What Bugs Are and What to Do with Them
Bugs are software issues or errors that appear while the software is in operation. The presence of bugs in a software is practically part of the territory since no software is created perfect.
Bug tracking is a process used to identify, capture, manage, and report the presence of bugs within a computer system. This process is mainly used by programmers and software technicians as well as quality assurance personnel to record and monitor problems that a certain software encounters.
Bug tracking systems are programs used for the monitoring and storing of information concerning the bugs. These systems record reports about software problems and errors. They also function as a recording tool as they keep tab of all issues reported to software developers. Bug tracking systems feature a database containing all the information regarding a particular bug. Among these details include the date and time that the bug was discovered and reported, the specific condition and intensity, and the initial resolution methods applied.
There are practically two types or categories of bug tracking software. First, there are task management systems, which focuses mainly on evaluating and managing the process of fixing bugs. Task management systems not only track the progress of fixing bugs. It provides insights on how to efficiently handle software issues and tracks the progress of the software development team in addressing the issue.
The second category is bug capturing tools. These systems focuses on reporting live errors as they happen in the application. These also provide software manufacturers with important data concerning the error. Bug capturing tools streamline the bug fixing process by categorizing the disorders and eliminating duplicate copies all over the system.
Understanding the Process of Issue Tracking
The process of issue tracking can be broken down into several components, each addressing a specific objective. Capturing the bug is the initial stage of the entire process. It goes beyond recognizing and getting the error per se since an issue tracking software provides a venue where the issue is categorized, reported, and handled by a specific personnel. The software creates one central location where all the necessary information and reports are stored. This makes access to the information easy and convenient, especially when reviews of past decisions are being made.
Next is the recording stage. When an issue is captured, the team handling it makes the necessary decisions on what needs to be done to resolve it. Every action and decision made by the team is duly recorded. This allows the team to review, countercheck or update every decision made to make sure that all the issues have been given proper attention.
The next component is accountability, where responsibility is emphasized. This ensures that the team can properly focus on specific tasks and has aligned expectations. This is followed by prioritization. Most software contain several bugs, and knowing which needs to be addressed first and which needs more attention means greater efficiency on the part of the team. It would also help the team save time and effort.
Then comes the resolution part. Knowing what to do and who needs to do it makes the process of resolving the issue a whole lot easier. The team can be more focused and disciplined since their roles are clearly defined and communicated. After this, the process may be reviewed to ensure that all the issues have been addressed and done correctly.
Why use bug tracking? Bug tracking is primarily a means of quality control and assurance, where defects and problems are checked, reviewed, and resolved before reaching the consumer. Software developers realize that shortchanging and not giving proper attention to the process of issue tracking could be very costly in terms of time and money.
Bug tracking is a tool that allows developers and technicians to catch bugs at the earliest possible time. This prevents more complex and costly problems when the software is live and affects customers. Bug tracking has to go hand in hand with an effective quality assurance process to address all concerns before the problem progresses. This relatively takes lesser time, effort, and cost rather than handling the issue when the product has been deemed complete and a customer or end-user is already involved.
Quality assurance processes must involve both an automated process and a manual testing phase to generate the best results and ensure that there are no overlapping issues that may be overlooked. Non-technical team members and other stakeholders have an important role in the testing phase. This ensures that a check and balance mechanism is at work. Developers have to see how the system of software functions through the eyes of another to have a greater perspective on the product. Software developers, being the creator of the program, may not be able to directly see defects in the system. Hence the need for a separate set of eyes who will focus on actively looking for problems or issues to create a better product for the customers.
Cross platform use and testing on different browsers is also part of the quality assurance stage where certain defects and issues may also be discovered. When a software is created, some features may not fully function using other types of platforms. It is thus important to track the defects based on which platform is used to be able to properly address these issues. Having these resolved would mean multiple users using various browsers and platforms are able to enjoy the end product.
Bug or issue tracking is practically a to-do list with a lot of advanced features. One major difference between them is the review process, which enables technicians to check previous actions and solutions applied.
Features to Look for in a Bug Tracking Software
In looking for the best bug tracking software, it is important to take note of certain considerations to ensure that you are getting that software that would best fit your needs and expertise. Technical teams have different levels of skills and specialties. In choosing the best bug tracking software, it is necessary to pick one that is easily understandable and is user-friendly. Issue tracking may be a complex process, and having a software that will simplify the process will definitely allow the technical team save a lot of time and effort. Advanced tracking software are also available for teams that have more complex needs and abilities. Thus, knowing what particular features and the level of expertise needed in using the software is very important before making one’s choice.
It is likewise essential to consider the complexity of the program where the bug tracking software will be used. More advanced programs require more advanced features. Buying a bug tracking software that is not able to effectively match the specifications of your program would be a waste of time and money. The flexibility of the tracking software is also an important factor to think of. A bug tracking software that may be used on multiple platforms, browsers, and programs is definitely more cost-efficient than one that is built for limited use. It would also be helpful to check whether the software can be transferred and used from one program to another.
Another factor to consider are the specifications and needs of the end user of the program or application where the bug tracking software is used. Some clients may require an in-house system and has a specific team that will provide support for the software. Some may also prefer a hosted tracking solution.
Bug or issue tracking is an essential aspect in the creation of a software or application, and the resolution of these issues will greatly redound to the benefit of the client. Selecting the best bug tracking software plays a critical role in the efficiency of the software that is developed. However, software developers and technical experts can heave a sigh of relief because a wide variety of options are now available that will cater to different software capabilities. Issue tracking may now be done in a more comprehensive and effective manner. Software problems and specifications may now be readily recorded and addressed, and further complications may be avoided with the addition of more advanced features.
The choices may be many, but a lot of software manufacturers provide extensive information materials concerning their products. Moreover, there are a lot of third party online sources that compile, compare various products, and provide the best bug tracking software reviews, statistics, and surveys.
Choosing the best bug tracking software may be complicated for those who are not highly technical, but help is at hand with the latest information and reviews on the best software for you at CrowdReviews.com.
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