Top 10 Open Source Bug Tracking System

Bug tracking is the process of capturing, reporting, and managing data on bugs that occur in software (also called errors and exceptions). The goal is to maintain high product quality, using two types of services: task management systems and bug capturing tools.

In this article I will describe top 10 open source but tracking system.

1. Bugzilla

Bugzilla is a web-based bug tracking program developed by the Mozilla Foundation. The program is used to keep track of Mozilla’s projects, including the Firefox web browser. The software allows users to submit tickets that the developers can act on. As with Mozilla’s other projects, Bugzilla has an open-source license.

Features:

• Time tracking.
• Private attachment and commenting.
• Flexible reporting and charting. Including ability to to scheduled reports and receive it via email.
• Add custom fields and workflows.
• View full list of features here.

2. Mantis

MANTIS is a free, open source bug tracking software. It can be used to track bug for various software projects.

You can easily download and install the Mantis for your use. Mantis now also provides a hosted version of the software.

Features:

• Email notifications: It sends out emails of updates, comments, resolutions to the concerned stake holders.
• Access Control: You can control user access at project level.
• Customize: You can easily customize Mantis as per your requirements.
• Mobile Support: Mantis supports iPhone, Android and Windows Phone Platforms.
• Plugins: An ever-expanding library of plugins to add custom functionality to Mantis.

3. Trac

Trac is an open source tool that allows you to easily manage your project. The software, originally inspired by CVSTrac, is Web-based and provides a bug tracking system to its users. The Trac software used to be named svntrac because of its ability to integrate with Subversion.

Benefits:

With Trac you can easily structure and track your project using team members, tickets, timelines, and useful overviews. Projects can benefit greatly from these features and its integration with Subversion can be an added bonus in terms of effectiveness and efficiency.

4. Redmine

Redmine.org is a free and open source project written using the Ruby on Rails framework. Redmine is a web-based project management tool that also helps track bugs and system issues. Using different calendars and Gantt charts, it displays project information, deadlines, and task assignments. It is part of the Bitnami app library and features comprehensive control and monitoring options.

Features:

• Project management including Gantt chart
• Project Wiki
• Time Tracking
• LDAP Authentication
• View full list of features here.

5. Request Tracker

Request Tracker for Incident Response (RTIR) builds on all the features of RT and provides pre-configured queues and workflows designed for incident response teams. It’s the tool of choice for many CERT and CSIRT teams all over the globe.

Features:

• Time tracking and reporting
• Integrate with LDAP authentication
• View full list of features here.

6. OTRS

OTRS bug tracking software is written in Perl. OTRS has all standard defect tracking features that you would expect. To view features click here.

7. EventNum

This was developed by the MySQL team, and written in PHP. You can use this as a bug tracking tool, or issue tracking system. This provides all the basic features that you might expect in a tracking system.

8. Fossil

Fossil is written in C, and uses SQLite database. Apart from bug tracking, it also provides Wiki. Installation is very straight forward, as it is a single executable that contains everything you need to get fossil up and running.

9. The Bug Genie

Bug genie is written in PHP. Provides a wizard based bug tracking software. It also integrates the openSearch functionality. Integrates with Subversion. You can develop your custom modules on top of bug genie.

10. WebIssues

WebIssue is written in PHP, and uses MySQL database for the server side. Everything in this top 10 list is web based bug tracking system except WebIssues. This is at number#10 because it doesn’t provide a web-based interface. You need webissues client that runs on Windows, or Linux to access the server component.

What is your favorite bug tracking system? Leave a comment and let me know.