With so many options for reporting bug tools and software in the marketplace, I am giving you the top five I have used for 2022.
JIRA
JIRA has always been one of the most popular and well-known software tools for reporting and tracking bugs. The tool is handy and popular due to its ability to integrate with additional add-ons that were built for QA teams. This software offers a very straightforward way for teams to track found bugs, thanks to the ability to prioritize and assign tickets. In addition, JIRA has a very robust workflow that gives teams transparency with the amount of time spent on resolving bugs.
Here are some of the highlights that JIRA has to offer:
Built for a variety of workflow methodologies, including Agile and Waterfall
Teams can track the amount of time spent on projects
Straightforward and easy-to-use project management and workflow
Can integrate with additional add-ons, including TestRail and Test Zephyr
An Interface built for multiple teams
Redmine
Redmine is a very basic software management bug-tracking tool with a layout that reminds me of a barebones version of JIRA. This is because this service is also free. Although the tool is free, it is still useful for bug tracking and process management. Teams can create multiple projects, and there is even a handy reporting system with a chart and calendar. Email notifications can also be set up and are similar to JIRA. Besides, tasks and sub-tasks can be created within each project making this ideal for Agile-based projects and teams.
Some of the highlights of Redmine include:
Free to use
Calendar and robust reporting system
Email notifications and the tool is offered in multiple languages
Easy to use bug tracking system and tool
Teams can create and manage multiple projects
Userback
Userback is a project management tool that can be used to also for bug reporting. This software is easy to use for reporting and project management. Userback connects clients and internal teams by enabling teams to share feedback. This feature is important because, from a QA standpoint, having a method for both teams to communicate is pivotal for User Acceptance Testing (UAT). The strength of accessing user feedback easily is evident in the name of the tool, Userback. External teams, customers, and clients can leave notes and other information on the actual work being reviewed, such as testing on a website. Users can leave feedback by creating notes and other critical pieces of information. As for market price, Userback offers three tiers that are priced depending on available features.
Keynotes to consider for Userback:
Ideal for teams who are focused on UAT
Easy for customers and clients to provide feedback
Built for teams who are creating websites for third parties and customers
Not ideal for mobile apps
Need to pay higher pricing plan tiers to utilize better features
GitLab
GitLab is very similar to JIRA and other bug-tracking tools, but some features mold it into its own powerful tool. Like JIRA, users can create Epics, but here they are called Milestones. Any found issues can be linked to specific Milestones. Another feature that is similar to JIRA is the Kanban board. Users can create multiple boards for each of their projects. Switching between projects is seamless and straightforward. Within the board, users can link their issues to other tickets and add multiple labels which will display on the Kanban board. The labels are fully customizable with striking colors to distinguish the ticket type. One example is a bug or a status update. The tool is catered towards developers because of the version control, and the service is open-sourced. From a testing perspective, this tool gets the job done for bug tracking because of the similarity with GitLab’s interface to JIRA’s. However, the tool may seem a bit daunting to use for first-time users.
Some highlights of the GitLab include:
The interface is similar to JIRA
Developer friendly with version control making it ideal for code reviews
Open-sourced, which means the tool is customizable
Affordably priced
Kanban board makes this a powerful project management and issue-tracking tool
UIlicious
It is quite uncommon for an automation tool to also have reporting capabilities. Luckily, UIlcious can not only run automated tests with a click of a button, but users can also create the tests with ease. There is also a handy scheduling feature that allows automated tests to run on a scheduled basis. This means users can schedule a test to run on their time. Notifications will inform the user of any failed tests. But unlike other automation testing tools, it does not stop there. UIlicious also has a simple and easy-to-use bug-reporting tool built right into the interface. Users can create and add notes identifying the issue when viewing a test result. The results can be shared with a snipper or an email. In addition, UIlicious is not only an easy-to-use automation tool with reporting capabilities, but it is also quite affordable.
Some reasons to use UIlicious:
Low code automation tool with reporting capabilities
Tests can be scheduled to run automatically
Users can share test results via email or snippet
Easy\to-use reporting tool with results that can be shared via email
Affordable
These five tools are some of the best reporting tools available in the market today. However, UIlicious holds an advantage over the other four because it is an automation tool with reporting capabilities. Every service has its advantages and disadvantages, but it really depends on what fits the team size, budget, and overall project scope.
