The best 8 free and open source Bug tracking Software Solutions

Every IT company is familiar with the software bug which is an error, failure or fault that turn out to be incorrect or unexpected outcome. Something which is not working as designed is known as a bug. These bugs are inevitable in developing software. Even if you come across one bug then often there are more issues that bugs may be hidden somewhere in the code.

All through the development process, it becomes essential to track bugs so that the small issue doesn’t turn into significant concern. In your business dealings, the customer will not buy the products that contain bugs.

The bug Tracking software is also known as “Issue tracking” or “Defect tracking” that will make the projects of the development team bugs free on which the clients can rely confidently. It will deliver quality software and web development projects. You can make progress with your software projects in your IT Company if you experience simple yet effective workflow that provides the platform to report and track errors in the software or website.

The open source bug tracking tools are the stress-free way to gain knowledge of the software and to put up a new workflow within the process. Even they are free to use your team track issues at no cost by employing free bug tracking tool.

What are the advantages of using a bug tracking software?

The bug tracking system works as a better tester that understands the defects trends and defects reporting standards. It checks the duplicates and invalid suggestions. The advantages that an open source bug tracking tool provides are as follows:

• Deliver high-quality product

The open source issue tracker helps to track all the issues and bugs in the product. It ensures that all the detected bugs get fixed. The correct bug tracking tool assists with in-depth bug analysis. By and large, it provides visibility to the overall direction of the project.

• Improve Return on Investment (ROI) by reducing the cost of development

The open source issue tracker software helps with bug prioritization and assignment based on severity and importance. The development team can focus on high priority bugs first in place of low priority ones.

It is easier to identify trends by taking up open source bug tracking tool. It leads to quicker root cause detection and resolution. It serves as a knowledge powerhouse for future references that drives to less iteration and reduces development efforts. As an outcome, the unwanted delay in the delivery of the project gets eliminated which in turn lessens the overall cost of the development.

• Offers better teamwork, communication, and connectivity

Bug tracking tool keeps everyone on the same page due to task collaboration, email notifications, and in-app chat. Timely the right resources can be assigned to test or fix bugs. The communication gap gets eliminated; transparency and accountability get improved due to real-time access, review, update and bug reports. Everyone work towards the common goal as they are aware of the progress.

Detects issues earlier and understands defect trends- At one centralized location, the bug tracking tool allows the company to track all the bugs. The insightful reports around defect trends and open & closed bug trends guide insufficient resource planning and budgeting. The tool tells who reported and fixed the bug, what the priority is and how long it took to set.

• Provides better service and customer satisfaction

In a single view or through instant email notifications the QA team, managers, developers, and customers will come to know the status updates of the reported issues. The customers feel happy and satisfied when they experience direct involvement in the testing phase due to bug tracking software.

In this article, you will come to know about the best 8 free and open source bug tracking software solutions that will boost up your IT sector efficiently.

The Best 8 Free and Open Source Bug Tracking Software Solutions

1. MantisBT

MantisBT is built on PHP and finds compatibility with Windows, Mac OS X systems and Linux. On the internal servers, the team can download and maintain MantisBT.In MantisBT the “My View” display shows unassigned bug tickets, a project timeline similar to activity feed and lists newly customized and resolved tickets. Through messages or bug ticket comments the users can work together on issues. Using RSS feeds they can stay informed of team activities.

Usually, it is used as a bug tracker, but you can arrange the system to manage larger projects as well. It is considered one of the best open source bug tracking software solutions. On the number of issues or projects that gets tracked in the application, it holds no restrictions and allows for an unlimited number of users. The self-hosted free version comprises of all features.

Key Features:

• Git and Subversion serve as Source code integration
• From creation to resolution track the time
• Arrange role-based access for the users
• Maintains custom fields
• Reports and graphs are printed, exported and shared
• For bug updates and comments set up the email alerts
• Many projects per instance
• Watch issue change history and roadmap
• Unlimited number of users, issues and projects can be supported

  2. Trac

Specifically, Trac is put up for development projects and issue tracking. But you can make use of it for requirements and document management. It holds a minimalist design and an integrated wiki. It integrates with Apache Subversion and GitHub.

As an open source, Trac is available under a modified BSD license though the older versions released under the GPL. It can be used to browse through the code, and when you integrate Trac with SCM, and then you can view history and changes. In order, a timeline shows all current and past projects while the roadmap highlights the upcoming milestones.

Key features:

• Written in Python and is familiar with SQLite, MySQL, and PostgreSQL
• Within a single solution- bug tracker and Wiki
• Tracking of project progress through a history timeline
• Plugin functionality via custom components
• Use Python for custom logging of system messages
• Ticketing system features submissions, support issues, and task management

3. Bugzilla

One of the first web-based bug tracking tools was Bugzilla which was initially used by the Mozilla project. It was, and probably still it is considered one of the best-known bug tracking tools. The big enterprises and some pretty substantial open source projects always make use of Bugzilla.

It offers powerful search capabilities, time tracking, and duplicate bug detection and a patch reviewer that skim lines of code. Within a bug, you can leave private comments and notes and grant access to specific bugs to any relevant member of the team.

Key Features:

• Outstanding database structure for better performance and scalability
• Protects privacy due to excellent security
• Searches can be remembered due to the advanced query tool
• The system runs on MySQL, Oracle, and PostgreSQL and entails the installation of Perl
• User profiles are editable, and email preferences are comprehensive
• Wide-ranging permissions system
• Sets up automatic reports to run on a chosen schedule

4. Redmine

It is an open source issue tracker that combine with SCM(Source Code Management System). While for reporting purposes, Gantt charts and calendar it supports multiple platforms and multiple databases. It is a project web application developed by using Ruby on Rails framework.

It is cross-platform and cross-database. It got released under the terms of the GNU General Public License v2(GPL)

Key features

• Flexible issue tracking system and role-based access control
• Supports Multi Language and multiple databases
• Manages news, documents, and files
• Through email creates an issue
• Calendar and Gantt chart
• Per project wiki and forums
• User self-registration support
• Various databases and projects support
• email notifications and feeds
• Custom fields meant for time-entries, issues, users, and projects through email issue creation

5. YouTrack

JetBrains offers this open source issue tracker software. The search query functionality searches the full text of a bug.  By using tags, you can group issues or track related bugs by linking different matters to each other. It will allow you to handle agile projects as it enjoys all features like scrum boards, backlogs, custom workflows –the works.

The YouTrack’s REST API allows end-users to report issues from various third-party apps. It is accessible both as a cloud-based service and stand-alone server. With a live dashboard, users can track both individual and team progress which gets updated in real time. As a result, the team stays on the same page. These open source issue tracking tools support both Scrum and Kanban methodologies.

Key Features:

• Takes account of the timed issue, iteration, and project tracking
• Issue distribution, timeline, state transition and time management all get reported
• Set up IM notifications or email for issue updates, resolution or user comments
• Organize issues by status with the help of filters and tags
• Command Window can modify multiple points

6. BugHerd

BugHerd enjoys the modern approach to bug management. It is the virtual layer on the top of the website. Like a sticky note, the BugHerd feedback will get pinned to the issue. Only the team and clients can see it.

For creating the bug tracking tool-free, this software makes use of the latest available frameworks. You will find the frame simple and efficient that produces tangible results in less time. This software addresses itself as ‘sticky notes of bug tracking.’ It is firmly put up as a platform which gets used on live websites. It is a full-featured bug tracker without the complexity.

Key Features

• Directly into the browser point and click the bug reporting widget
• Automated screen capture uploaded next to the actual ticket
• User’s detailed report of submission- selector, resolution, browser, etc
• Create and monitor projects to observe the performance
• Mix with GitHub, Basecamp, Zapier, and many other leading apps
• On every issue upholds vital details that get logged with the data

7. DoneDone

DoneDone emphasizes the belief that bugs testing is about simplicity. You can track the customer tickets by getting an actionable workflow. The moment bugs appear you can work through it with your team. It is a useful issue tracker that merely works. For mid-sized organizations, it is a great tool that deals with client feedback on websites. The reporting and project management features are pretty slim.

You can complete the functionality with the pre-built integrations by employing favorite tools- JIRA, Zendesk, Zapier, Basecamp, Redmine, PivotalTracker and much more. In CSV, XML and JSON formats you can export data from BugHerd.

Key features:

• Daily, the performance gets illustrated by the flexible reports
• Real-time browser supported notifications
• For the commits sync the GitHub and Bitbucket accounts
• Collect user feedback through the public issue tracker
• In charge of the ticket is defined by the customer user prefixes

8. Webissues

Webissues is the open source bug tracking software as it can store and track issues by making use of various attributes, comments file attachments, and descriptions. In August 2015, the 1.1.4 version was released that offers a simplified mobile version of the web client. The 1.1.5 version adds a few minor features and fixes some bugs. In the global list of issues, it is possible to filter the problems by project quickly.

It has many capabilities and is highly customizable. You will find it easy to install and use. As an open source issue tracking system, it works with a desktop client as well as the web-based interface.

Key features

• Send and receive emails
• Creates reports and export data
• Security and rights management
• Filter and search issues
• Track new and modify issues
• Use a web dashboard to access the problems of the custom web client
• Custom filters from public/private requirements meant for individual tickets
• For Unix, OS X systems and Windows serves as the desktop client
• To recognize patterns check existing or upcoming tickets against custom filters
• The possibility of an anonymous environment
• All communications are behind SSL

Bugzone, Trac, Bugeez, are some great Bug tracking software solutions available in the market. Even the Bug-track.com is gaining popularity. You can go through the below-mentioned features and try this software to enjoy the benefits of the same.

Bug-track.com

Bug-track.com is the best solution to track your bugs. This web-based software has unlimited users and projects. Users can use this tool to track their bugs, exchange comments, and upload files.

On all major browsers, this software is supported. You can take control of your software development, as you will find this app easy to deploy, customize, and use. It supports all types of businesses, whether small, medium, or large.

If you are starting from scratch or migrating, then set up the account of this tool is extremely easy and simple.

Key Features:

• Customizable
• Drag ’n’ Drop files
• Calendar views
• Text search
• Saved queries
• Simple & affordable
• Unlimited users & projects
• Access control
• Alerts & Notifications
• Collaboration
• Visual Task Board
• Track & Resolve
• Issue Tracking
• Task Management

Wrapping up

If the bug tracking tool is better than the quality of the product will also be better. It is essential to have a reporting facility, assigning, reports, storage, and retrieval for a bug tracking software.

In every stage of the development process, the bug tracking gets involved which in turn can help developers to be productive. The open source bug tracking software offer solutions faster.

The rigorous bug tracking tools free processes protect the interests of the parties that are involved in development process.

In future artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) will involve in catching software bugs to a source-code repository.

Choose one of the best open source bug tracking tools from the list as mentioned above for your IT business. The open source issue tracker software will bring what was accurately requested. The customers will receive what they required, and the biggest advantage is that it will happen on time and within budget.

If you are looking for more options on the best bug tracking software to construct your bug tracking application, then indeed this article will provide you immense and in-depth knowledge and understanding on the same.

In case you have tried out any of the above listed bug tracking software, then feel free to share your precious views and feedback on the same.

Backlog is a popular bug and project tracking tool in one platform. It’s easy for anyone to report bugs and keep track of a full history of issue updates and status changes. Development teams use Backlog to work with other teams for enhanced team collaboration and high-quality project delivery.

• Easy bug tracking tool
• Search and advanced search features
• Full history of issue updates and status changes
• Project and issues with subtasks
• Git and SVN built-in
• Gantt Charts and Burndown charts
• Wikis and Watchlists
• Native mobile apps
• Kanban-style boards for visual workflow

If you have used other bug tracking tool, this tool can be easy to use. Mantis not only comes as a web application but also has its own mobile version. It works with multiple databases like MySQL, PostgreSQL, MS SQL and integrated with applications like chat, time tracking, wiki, RSS feeds and many more.

Mantis main features include

• This is a Open source tool
• This defect tracking tool provides E-mail notification
• Supported reporting with reports and graphs
• Source control integration
• Supports custom fields
• Supports time tracking management
• Multiple projects per instance
• Enable to watch the issue change history and roadmap
• Supports unlimited number of users, issues, and projects

It is an open source bug tracking tool that integrates with SCM (Source Code Management System) too. It supports multiple platforms and multiple data-bases while for reporting purpose, Gantt charts and calendar are used. Redmine is a project management web application developed using Ruby on Rail framework. Some of the RedMine features include

• Gantt chart and calendar
• News, document and files management
• This bug reporting tool provides SCM integration
• Issue creation via e-mail
• This bug tracking software supports multiple database.
• Flexible issue tracking system
• Flexible role based access control
• Multilanguage support

It is a bug tracking system, available for hosted or on-premises software. It is a project management tool for Scrum teams. Project managers and developers can view each task, its requirement, defects and incidents, in the system, on individual filing cards, through the Scrum planning board. With Axosoft, you can manage your user stories, defects, support tickets and a real-time snapshot of your progress.

Main features

• It is one of the Best Bug management tool
• Scrum planning board
• Scrum burn down charts
• Requirement Management
• Team wiki
• Data visualization
• SCM integration
• Reporting
• Help desk or incident tracking

eTraxis is an open source bug tracking tool supporting multiple languages. This tool is developed in a PHP language and supports multiple-database like Oracle, MySQL, PostgreSQL, and MS Server. For managing project, eTraxis gives you a flexible platform involving multiple organizations by providing a central place for all project activity. It allows to create multiple users and projects and at the same time view the bugs assigned. Custom workflows is an additional feature of this system that make handling project as per your requirement.

Main features

• Files exchange and supports attachment
• E-mail notification
• Flexible permission
• Powerful filtering on issues
• Custom workflow
• View complete history of all events

It is an open source bug tracker and issue tracking system that is written using Asp.Net platform and requires MySQL as a database. It has got everything that is required for creating projects, issues and managing them efficiently. It is free but the pro-version is licensed and commercial.

Main features

• Email notification
• Issue management
• This bug tracker system Supports multiple projects and databases
• Excellent Security
• Online support community
• Project and milestone management
• Easy navigation and administration
• Online support community

FogBugz is a web based bug tracking system that refers to defects as ‘cases’. It prioritize and organize development task in one central place. It includes a powerful search engine that enables you to instantly search the complete content of cases, wiki articles, and customer correspondence. Fogbugz supports almost all ios, Android, Blackberry, tablets, and ipads. It is a commercial product but reasonably priced.

Main Features

• Issue tracking
• Quick and easy case creation
• Support help desk
• Automated error reporting with Bugzscout
• Automatic upgrades and backups
• Integration with other tools
• Project management
• Time tracking
• Integrated wiki

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