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Sunday, 14 July 2013

Top 10 Open Source Bug Tracking System



All IT projects needs a bug tracking (or issue tracking, or defect tracking) system.
Sure, we need a bug tracking system for a software development project. But, what about a sysadmin team, dba team, network team? They all need some help to track their work, and issues of their system, database and network.
I’ve listed 10 open source bug tracking systems, that you can experiment, and choose based on your taste and requirement. This is not a comprehensive list by any means. I’ve used all the systems listed in the top 5, and I strongly recommend that you choose one from the top 5 list.

I love bugzilla, and have been using it for several years. If you don’t have time to play around with multiple systems to figure-out which one you like, just go with Bugzilla.
What is your favorite bug tracking system? Leave a comment and let me know.

1. Bugzilla

Are you looking for a stable, actively maintained, widely adapted bug tracking system? Look no further. Bugzilla is for you.
This is used by various big open source projects to track their bugs. For example, Linux kernel development team, Apache development team, GNOME development team uses bugzilla. Red Hat also uses bugzilla to track the issues found in Red Hat Distribution system.
Bugzilla is written in Perl, and works on various databases including MySQL and Oracle. This step-by-step instruction guide on how to install bugzilla will get you started.
Bugzilla 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.
Additional Info:
  • Home Page: http://www.bugzilla.org
  • Developed by: Mozilla foundation
  • Stable Release: 3.6.1
  • License: Mozilla public license

2. Mantis

Mantis issue tracking system is written in PHP, and works on various databases including MySQL, MS SQL, PostgreSQL.
Mantis Features:
  • Source code integration
  • Time tracking
  • Issue relationship graph
  • Custom fields and workflow
  • Anonymous access
  • View full list of features here.
Additional Info:

3. Trac

Trac is written in Python. Apart from issue tracking, it also provides wiki, and integration to subversion. The web interface is very simplistic and easy to use. This also provides project management features including roadmap and milestone tracking.

4. Redmine

Redmine is written in Ruby on Rails. Apart from tracking issues, it provides a full project management features.
Redmine Features:
  • Project management including Gantt chart
  • Project Wiki
  • Time Tracking
  • LDAP Authentication
  • View full list of features here.
Additional Info:

5. Request Tracker

RT is written in Perl. Apart from the standard issue management, you can use this as a ticket tracking system. RT Features:
  • Time tracking and reporting
  • Integrate with LDAP authentication
  • View full list of features here.
Additional Info:

6. OTRS

OTRS bug tracking software is written in Perl. OTRS has all standard defect tracking features that you would expect. View full list of features 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.
Home Page: http://forge.mysql.com/wiki/Eventum/
Stable Release: 2.2
License: GPL

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.
Home Page: http://www.fossil-scm.org
License: BSD

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.
Home Page: http://www.thebuggenie.com/
Stable Release: 2.1.1
License: MPL

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.
Home Page: http://webissues.mimec.org/
Stable Release: 0.9.6
License: Open Source
Did I miss any bug tracking system that you like? What is your favorite bug tracking system? Leave a comment and let me know.
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