Below is information on how to make your bug tracking methods more effective.
1. Release Fast And Often
Have you ever felt so annoyed regarding an open bug report that was filed several months ago but has still not been resolved, or worse is not being evaluated by any person? Open bug reports that have carried along for long periods are the worst scenarios for testers and can make an individual feel undervalued.
One of the greatest philosophies in creating effective bug tracking software is to release fast and release often. This helps the software to focus on recent reports frequently creating a feedback loop between the testers and the developers.
Bug report queues with thousands of open reports are scenarios that need to be avoided; therefore, keeping the bug management scheme tidy and efficient will help with resolution of bug problems.
2. Creating Room For Communication
Reporting bugs requires an ability to identify the relevant data that needs to be attached to all bug reports. The modern bug tracking resources, such as Usersnap, offer an ability for testers to attach the required information to a report automatically.
Nonetheless, there will always be room for miscommunication and misunderstanding of information resulting in a need for further discussion. I have noted various testing scenarios where no room for this type of miscommunication was seen because the following questions were asked:
- who are the product testers and software developers in charge?
- how can I reach the developers and testers involved?
- what type of communication takes place in the bug tracking software and what does not?
- is it correct for me to request feedback via email, online chat messaging, or the telephone?
For effective communication, it is recommended that these questions are answered during the beginning phases of the bug tracking procedure.
There are various misunderstandings that take place regarding the work of software testers and developers; therefore, it is important that all people are brought onto the same page and feedback is provided from both sides. Using this type of culture, both the testers and developers will feel a sense of respect in their work.
3. Remaining On A One-To-One Basis
While there is nothing wrong with working on a team project and employing various ideas for bug tracking, it is not recommended to discuss bug reports in large meetings.
It is not always appreciated and most people would rather you avoid the issue entirely, particularly if the project meeting is a lengthy one. I have experienced many project meetings where the reporting of different bugs from different testers are discussed.
The reporting of bugs, discussion of the information and a look at how to address them in software development can result in a slowing down of the testing phase.
One of the more effective methods to deal with bug report solutions is to keep the issue using a one-to-one basis. The principles of bug tracking note that each bug report links two individuals: the tester or bug indicator and the developer or problem solver.
Regardless of how many individuals are involved in dealing with the bug during the testing and resolution phases, only two people, the tester and the developer, are obligated to communicate and resolve the reported bug issue.
4. Avoiding Personal Opinions And Focusing On Solutions
Reporters identify certain problems or discrepancies according to specific requirements when reporting bugs.
Avoid adding personal commentary, like sharing your own computer experiences, when creating bug reports.
Personal opinions can be discussed using email or chat resources, but they must not be involved in the bug reports. Bug reports should be a place where relevant data for fixing a bug and reproducing information is stored. Focus on resolution of the bug report instead of personal opinions of the bug.
5. Agreeing On What Closed Bugs Are
Have you ever had to deal with closed bugs or closing a bug? If you have then you have dealt with a highly detrimental bug tracking situation. If you have dealt with the case of bug status discussion, then it may be best to sit back and ask the following questions:
- who is responsible for reporting the bugs or giving the order for bug tracking?
- what is the criteria for acceptance of bug tracking?
- who is responsible to accept the results of bug reports or provide solutions for the bug tracking?
When dealing with closed bug reports, it is important to examine the meaning of ‘closed’. In most software development teams, developers are responsible for closing bug reports when they resolve the issues.
Request the bug reporter to close the report when a solution for a bug is provided. The person who opens a bug report is usually responsible for resolving or closing it, ensuring accountability.
6. Using The Two Bug Report Statuses
Traditional bug tracking typically includes various statuses, with “closed” and “open” being the most common ones. An open bug report remains unresolved regardless of its size or development progress. Bug tracking tools offer multiple statuses, but ultimately, only “open” and “closed” statuses matter.