Bugzilla is a powerful open source bug tracker used by many software testers and programmers. Discover its features and benefits.

In this article about Bugzilla you will learn:

• Comprehensive bug management: Bugzilla allows users to create, manage and track bug reports with different fields and supports advanced search and filtering options.
• User-driven notifications: Users receive email notifications based on their preferences, allowing them to be notified of changes in the status of bugs.
• Different report formats: Bugzilla offers multiple formats for bug lists and supports scheduled email reports, which improves data analysis and monitoring.
• Time tracking and request system: The tool includes features for tracking time spent on bug fixes and a request system for collaboration between users.
• Customisation and integration: Bugzilla is very flexible, allowing integration with other tools and customisation to suit the needs of different organisations.

What is Bugzilla?

Bugzilla is an open-source bug tracking tool available for free to every tester and programmer. It is written in Perl and uses the MYSQL database. However, it can be used as a test management tool because it can be easily linked with other test case management tools such as Quality Center, Testlink, etc.

Bugzilla allows you to create and manage bug reports with various fields such as product, component, version, summary, description, severity, priority, status, solution, notifier, recipient, keywords, attachments, and more. You can also use the Bugzilla bug tracking tool to search and filter bug reports by various criteria such as keywords, status, workaround or custom fields.

Bugzilla also allows you to track changes and a history of bug reports, such as who made the change, when and why. Bugzilla also supports email notifications, comments, flags, polls, duplicates, dependencies, and attachments for bug reports. It also offers various reports and charts, such as bug lists, summaries, tables, graphs, and trends to help you analyze and monitor bug data and statistics.

Bugzilla features

1. Advanced search options

Bugzilla has two forms of search:

• It has a Google-like error search that is easy to use and also searches the full text of the error.
• It provides a very advanced search system where you can create any type of search, such as a search by time (for example, you want to see a list of bugs whose priority has changed in the last two days).

2. Email notifications driven by user preferences

If any changes are made to Bugzilla, you will receive an email and notifications. Bug notifications are entirely driven by user preferences.

3. Bug lists in multiple formats

When you search for bugs, you can get lists of bugs in multiple formats, such as Atom, iCalendor. The iCalendor format is used when you use the time tracking feature in Bugzilla. There are even more formats available in Bugzilla, such as a printable format that contains details of all bugs and a CSV format that is used to import the bug list into spreadsheets.

4. Scheduled messages via email

Bugzilla has a system that will send you search results on the schedule you specify.

5. Automatic duplicate error detection

When you enter a new error and enter an error summary, the system looks for similar errors. If the system finds similar errors, it will then allow the user to add themselves to the list of one of those errors instead of creating a new error.

6. Time tracking

Bugzilla also provides a time tracking feature. You can determine how many hours it should take to fix a bug, and you can even keep track of the hours you’ll spend on the bug. You can also set a deadline by which the bug must be fixed.

7. System of requirements

The request system is a way to ask other users to do something about a bug. The user can grant or deny the request and Bugzilla will track the response.

8. Moving errors between installations

Bugzilla has the ability to move a bug from one installation of Bugzilla to another. In Bugzilla it is also possible to move a bug between different versions.

9. “Tracking “ other users

Bugzilla allows you to follow other users. You will also receive an email that the user receives from Bugzilla. This feature is useful when a developer goes on vacation and then another developer needs to handle a bug.

10. News and charts

Bugzilla provides an advanced reporting system. If you want to know what the bug database looks like, you can create two arrays via X-axis and Y-axis. You can limit the bug information using search criteria. You can also export these reports in CSV format.

Bugzilla and its system requirements

Bugzilla is freeware and its installation involves certain procedures.

In principle, it requires:

• Perl,
• andbase machine (MySQL, Postgre SQL. Oracle),
• web server (any web server that can run CGI scripts),
• Bugzilla files,
• of Pearl,
• gent for mail transfer.

Benefits of Bugzilla

• A deadline can be set for correcting errors.
• The reports are in different formats and types.
• Using the “request system” provided by Bugzilla, you can ask other users to review code, provide information, and other things.
• Bugzilla is a very flexible tool that can be adapted to the needs of a wide range of organisations.
• Bug tracker: Bugzilla is an extremely good tool for monitoring and handling bugs and issues.
• It has a large and active community that provides support and documentation.
• Bugzilla is a free open source tool, which means it is available for free use and customization.

Disadvantages of Bugzilla

• It is not possible to attach large files, which is the main problem.
• Compared to JIRA, it lacks customization features.
• The user interface is not as good and lacks a mobile user interface.
• It does not support agile project development, which is the biggest disadvantage of Bugzilla.
• Bugzilla can be a tricky tool to learn and use.
• It can be slow to load and navigate, especially for large projects.
• Bugzilla has been known for security vulnerabilities in the past.

Bugzilla tutorial

If you’re interested in learning how to work with Bugzilla, here are a few tutorials to guide you through the process:

1. Tutorials point
2. Udemy beginners course
3. Javatpoint
4. Cosmomodel

Bugzilla Alternatives

What should you look for in Bugzilla alternatives?

Cloud storage: relying on physical storage alone is not enough, especially given the huge amount of data we currently have. The right Bugzilla app alternative must not only store, but also allow you to access your information from anywhere using cloud storage.

Customisability: look for multiple customisation options to give you complete control over your bug tracking software. This should cover both the user interface and the issue tracking features.

Collaboration features: The tool should allow you to coordinate with your team members and between teams to track and resolve errors more efficiently. When all information is available on one common platform, miscommunication is avoided.

Report generation and data analysis: look for software with built-in tools to generate information. It should have excellent AI integration to speed up the bug tracking process.

Pre-made templates: pre-made templates save a lot of time. Choose software with many of them.

Integration capabilities: don’t compromise on software environment. You need to enable your team to continue to use the applications they’re already working with in conjunction with the alternative you’ve chosen.

User interface: give your teams a seamless working environment. Popular alternatives feature an accessible user interface that guides users through the bug tracking process.

Alternative 1: ClickUp

With ClickUp’s efficient bug tracking system, you can report, track and prioritise bugs in one place. ClickUp’s team project management software offers a range of visualisation tools that make reporting simple, so you can avoid putting off tasks ‘for later’.

ClickUp’s best features

• Track issues faster with pre-prepared views, custom states and custom fields. Enter important data into customizable visual templates. ClickUp bug tracking templates also include report forms that you can share with your team.
• Accelerate idea generation, plan visualization, and development with ClickUp’s state-of-the-art artificial intelligence, which is equipped with a variety of expertly crafted AI tools.
• Leverage ClickUp’s integrated workflows such as Kanban and Scrum. Automate your backlog so you can focus on other important tasks.
• Visualise your tasks with shared schedules in ClickUp. Track your progress, dependencies and bottlenecks so you can prioritize when needed.
• Quickly collect troubleshooting requests using request intake forms. Easily convert them into trackable tasks that are highly customizable, allowing you to link related issues, add tags, and improve backlog management.
• Automatically share all your data, records and plans with stakeholders across teams and departments and grant them appropriate permissions.

ClickUp Restrictions

• Needs more flexibility with control panels.
• The search function needs improvement.

Alternative 2: Jira

Jira is best equipped for agile teams with a need to track bugs. It uses the Agile framework and supports its multiple methodologies.

By leveraging its visualization capabilities, you can easily navigate your workflow through Scrum boards and Kanban charts to efficiently identify and fix bugs.

The best features of Jira

• Add epics, map work items, dependencies and releases on a fully customizable timeline where your team members and other stakeholders can track it.
• With Scrum boards and Kanban in Jira, you can break down large projects into manageable tasks. Track issues and visualize workflows to identify areas that need attention.
• Automate tasks effortlessly with Jira’s tools and ready-made templates. Just drag and drop the data description and let the automation do the heavy lifting for you.

Restrictions on Jira

• The user interface needs to be more interactive.
• Recording and tracking of documents can be improved.
• Many users complain about the slow processing speed.
• Advanced Road Mapping is not available as part of the normal paid plans.

Alternative 3: Rollbar

With Rollbar, you no longer have to deal with the hassle of re-editing or going back to the development stage to edit your product for bugs at the end. In addition, it automates responses when a bug is detected and alerts the appropriate team members.

Best Rollbar Features

• Get instant access to all errors in your files via the real-time error feed. Bypass bugs as they happen instead of compiling them at the end of the development phase.
• Silence constant and annoying alerts by grouping similar alerts into a neat package. This is achieved by leveraging clustering at the automation and machine learning software level.
• Automate your workflow and responses to any bottlenecks in development and testing. With artificial intelligence lending a helping hand, it not only prioritises tasks, but also tracks bugs seamlessly – making your life easier.

Rollbar restrictions

• Comprehensive user interface.
• Errors in the error grouping function.
• Cost is a major concern for smaller companies.

Alternative 4: GitLab

GitLab, one of Bugzilla’s best alternatives, boasts a powerful AI-based DevSecOps platform that is equipped to handle the team’s bug detection and management needs.

Thanks to its AI capabilities, it can also effectively automate workflows. It leverages a unified data model to share bug tracking insights across the DevSecOps lifecycle.

GitLab’s best features

• Improve bug tracking with AI in DevSecOps. Streamlines everything – VSM, DORA Metrics for planning, code designs for building, and robust systems for validating, securing, packaging, and deploying software.
• Improve your workflow with GitLab Duo AI integration. Meet your ever-present assistant, GitLab Duo Chat, for help with code, management, onboarding, and seamless tracking. Improve security, testing, and documentation effortlessly.
• Transform your software development process by applying version control through collaboration. Empower your team to maximize productivity, leading to faster delivery and greater insight.

GitLab limitations

• It needs a built-in code checking function.
• The ability to create custom dashboards is missing.
• It lacks built-in security scanning.
• Poor experience with the IDE in the browser.
• Multi-platform support is missing.

Alternative 5: Zoho Projects

The Universal Add feature in Zoho Projects is a lifesaver at critical moments as it allows you to quickly add items to your plans. The work breakdown structure simplifies project organisation. In conjunction with agile boards for customized tracking, Zoho ensures smooth and fast workflows.

Best features of Zoho Projects

• Divide your projects into simpler and more manageable parts of the work. This will help you to organise your workflow effortlessly. Use custom agile boards tailored to your needs, complete with tracking features.
• Add work items and add users, tasks, events, issues or documents to your to-do list with the click of a button.
• Customise your project management system to suit you with the many customisation features provided by Zoho, such as custom layouts, fields, views, status, etc. These allow you to capture the information you want and prioritize work on your terms.

Zoho Projects Restrictions

• Limited online support.
• No pre-made templates.
• Steep learning curve.
• Some users find the user interface clunky.

FAQ

What are the benefits of bug tracking tools?

Using bug tracking tools, testers can identify, fix and prevent software bugs, share and update bug information and feedback, streamline and automate bug tracking and bug management tasks, prevent duplication of bugs, rework and delays, as well as create and analyze bug reports and charts.

What are the system requirements to install Bugzilla?

Bugzilla requires Perl, a database engine (such as MySQL, PostgreSQL, or Oracle), a web server capable of running CGI scripts, Bugzilla files, Perl modules, and a mail transfer agent.

How does Bugzilla handle duplicate bug reports?

When a new bug is reported, Bugzilla automatically searches for similar existing bugs based on the summary you provide. If similar bugs are found, the user can add their bug report to an existing bug instead of creating a new one.

What are the common alternatives to Bugzilla?

Popular alternatives to Bugzilla include ClickUp, Jira, Rollbar, GitLab, and Zoho Projects. These tools offer various features for bug tracking, project management, and team collaboration.