Issue trackers
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I use ToDoList at the moment to track progress on StoryBoard - An Agile Project Tool [article due ~Q5-2013].
Reality is an illusion caused by a lack of alcohol
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I've used a zillion issue trackers and project management systems and always, without fail, come back to using Excel or even just notepad. This is ridiculous given all the info I could be tracking that could (and should) be helping me. Instead of asking what issue tracker or PM software you use, I was wondering what features you really rely on to get the job done. For me its: - Speed - Simplicity - Multiuser, multi-project - Drag and drop stuff / minimum clicks. Be as fast to modify as Notepad or Excel - Track priorities, status, assignees, due dates, milestones - Roll up of values (eg add all the time estimates for child items and show it on the parent) - Email alerts - free form comments within each item - uploads of screenshots or docs - tie into source code control What do the guys who actually do this stuff properly find the most important?
cheers, Chris Maunder The Code Project | Co-founder Microsoft C++ MVP
The two that did it best for me were ToDoList (which has almost all aforementioned features), and Fogbugz. But, as for all traching tools, the problem is often between the chair and the keyboard.
~RaGE();
I think words like 'destiny' are a way of trying to find order where none exists. - Christian Graus Do not feed the troll ! - Common proverb
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Nagy Vilmos wrote:
Q5-2013
How many quarter does 2013 have ?!
~RaGE();
I think words like 'destiny' are a way of trying to find order where none exists. - Christian Graus Do not feed the troll ! - Common proverb
Nail. Head. Hit. I am in the process of documenting a lot of shyte I have lying around. Each piece is going to probably mutate into an article - look out for Expression Evaluator - and at the end of this process the new and sparkly StoryBoard will be put into an article. If I should be stupid enough to get a job things may be delayed. And delayed.
Reality is an illusion caused by a lack of alcohol
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I've used a zillion issue trackers and project management systems and always, without fail, come back to using Excel or even just notepad. This is ridiculous given all the info I could be tracking that could (and should) be helping me. Instead of asking what issue tracker or PM software you use, I was wondering what features you really rely on to get the job done. For me its: - Speed - Simplicity - Multiuser, multi-project - Drag and drop stuff / minimum clicks. Be as fast to modify as Notepad or Excel - Track priorities, status, assignees, due dates, milestones - Roll up of values (eg add all the time estimates for child items and show it on the parent) - Email alerts - free form comments within each item - uploads of screenshots or docs - tie into source code control What do the guys who actually do this stuff properly find the most important?
cheers, Chris Maunder The Code Project | Co-founder Microsoft C++ MVP
TFS Express is free: http://www.microsoft.com/visualstudio/eng/products/visual-studio-team-foundation-server-express[^] My experience of TFS is generally a good one. I prefer it over SVN and something like Jenkins or CruiseControl because it has issue tracking and tasking built right in. We use SVN, Nant and Jenkins at work, it's part of my job to keep it running and I can categorically state it's a pain in the arse, although once it's running it's generally OK. TFS integrates perfectly with VS, it IS source control and has enough meaningless reporting tools to keep the most officious project manager busy for a while. I'm pretty certain it does email alerts, the comments you need and uploading supporting information. TFS merges better than SVN and manually resolving conflicts is far easier as TFS doesn't change the source of the file to highlight the conflict.
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Jörgen Andersson wrote:
When they get old the glue loses the stickyness
If tehy get old enough to lose stickness, it probably implies its less important. ! :doh:
Thanks, Milind
:rolleyes:
"The ones who care enough to do it right care too much to compromise." Matthew Faithfull
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I've used a zillion issue trackers and project management systems and always, without fail, come back to using Excel or even just notepad. This is ridiculous given all the info I could be tracking that could (and should) be helping me. Instead of asking what issue tracker or PM software you use, I was wondering what features you really rely on to get the job done. For me its: - Speed - Simplicity - Multiuser, multi-project - Drag and drop stuff / minimum clicks. Be as fast to modify as Notepad or Excel - Track priorities, status, assignees, due dates, milestones - Roll up of values (eg add all the time estimates for child items and show it on the parent) - Email alerts - free form comments within each item - uploads of screenshots or docs - tie into source code control What do the guys who actually do this stuff properly find the most important?
cheers, Chris Maunder The Code Project | Co-founder Microsoft C++ MVP
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Ron Anders wrote:
Tried that. Got a little tired of it telling me what details of my projects were important and what weren't.
cheers, Chris Maunder The Code Project | Co-founder Microsoft C++ MVP
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I've used a zillion issue trackers and project management systems and always, without fail, come back to using Excel or even just notepad. This is ridiculous given all the info I could be tracking that could (and should) be helping me. Instead of asking what issue tracker or PM software you use, I was wondering what features you really rely on to get the job done. For me its: - Speed - Simplicity - Multiuser, multi-project - Drag and drop stuff / minimum clicks. Be as fast to modify as Notepad or Excel - Track priorities, status, assignees, due dates, milestones - Roll up of values (eg add all the time estimates for child items and show it on the parent) - Email alerts - free form comments within each item - uploads of screenshots or docs - tie into source code control What do the guys who actually do this stuff properly find the most important?
cheers, Chris Maunder The Code Project | Co-founder Microsoft C++ MVP
With a bit of effort - 4 to 8 hours or so, you can use xaf[^] to roll your own ...
Espen Harlinn Principal Architect, Software - Goodtech Projects & Services AS Projects promoting programming in "natural language" are intrinsically doomed to fail. Edsger W.Dijkstra
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I've used a zillion issue trackers and project management systems and always, without fail, come back to using Excel or even just notepad. This is ridiculous given all the info I could be tracking that could (and should) be helping me. Instead of asking what issue tracker or PM software you use, I was wondering what features you really rely on to get the job done. For me its: - Speed - Simplicity - Multiuser, multi-project - Drag and drop stuff / minimum clicks. Be as fast to modify as Notepad or Excel - Track priorities, status, assignees, due dates, milestones - Roll up of values (eg add all the time estimates for child items and show it on the parent) - Email alerts - free form comments within each item - uploads of screenshots or docs - tie into source code control What do the guys who actually do this stuff properly find the most important?
cheers, Chris Maunder The Code Project | Co-founder Microsoft C++ MVP
One issue we find useful is the ability to customize UI forms. Speed, good chronological history; data safety (normal users should not be able to delete stuff, only add); online (ability to see from outside, with level of security and what can be seen by who, clients can see some data, developers can see other data, ... ) We are using a old version of a Groove tool; customized to the point it will break apart if we try to do anything to it. I find it weird that people are still using paper/notepad/excel to track bugs and issue; this is at the same level as not using a source control system.
Nihil obstat
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I've used a zillion issue trackers and project management systems and always, without fail, come back to using Excel or even just notepad. This is ridiculous given all the info I could be tracking that could (and should) be helping me. Instead of asking what issue tracker or PM software you use, I was wondering what features you really rely on to get the job done. For me its: - Speed - Simplicity - Multiuser, multi-project - Drag and drop stuff / minimum clicks. Be as fast to modify as Notepad or Excel - Track priorities, status, assignees, due dates, milestones - Roll up of values (eg add all the time estimates for child items and show it on the parent) - Email alerts - free form comments within each item - uploads of screenshots or docs - tie into source code control What do the guys who actually do this stuff properly find the most important?
cheers, Chris Maunder The Code Project | Co-founder Microsoft C++ MVP
For bug tracking... can't beat Bugzilla[^]. I've been using it for years now and it really does its job well, plus you can tie it into your SVN system (we used to link SVN comments with bugzilla numbers that had the description of the bug fixed, don't do it as often anymore but still reference the numbers).
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I've used a zillion issue trackers and project management systems and always, without fail, come back to using Excel or even just notepad. This is ridiculous given all the info I could be tracking that could (and should) be helping me. Instead of asking what issue tracker or PM software you use, I was wondering what features you really rely on to get the job done. For me its: - Speed - Simplicity - Multiuser, multi-project - Drag and drop stuff / minimum clicks. Be as fast to modify as Notepad or Excel - Track priorities, status, assignees, due dates, milestones - Roll up of values (eg add all the time estimates for child items and show it on the parent) - Email alerts - free form comments within each item - uploads of screenshots or docs - tie into source code control What do the guys who actually do this stuff properly find the most important?
cheers, Chris Maunder The Code Project | Co-founder Microsoft C++ MVP
Every time I go to the Dentist I am told I need to floss. I get a lecture about how it is just a habit and that once I get used to it; it will become second nature. I take the free floss samples, every six months, I floss once or twice, then I stop. It is irritating, time-consuming, and doesn't fit my process. Besides, I brush and use mouthwash so; really I can skimp without flossing, right? And that is Bug Tracking and Project Management software to developers. This is also why the "Type-A"'s never have a problem with it. They may be alphas and go getters but they just accept things they don't understand and use the tool as what it is, a tool. They fit it into their process and their lives and as long as it makes pie charts they are happy. If you want a successful tool, pick one, build your process around it, and keep at it until it is habit. And remember, you are the boss, you shouldn't be coding any more anyway, just delegate the minutia.
Need custom software developed? I do custom programming based primarily on MS tools with an emphasis on C# development and consulting. "And they, since they Were not the one dead, turned to their affairs" -- Robert Frost "All users always want Excel" --Ennis Lynch
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I've used a zillion issue trackers and project management systems and always, without fail, come back to using Excel or even just notepad. This is ridiculous given all the info I could be tracking that could (and should) be helping me. Instead of asking what issue tracker or PM software you use, I was wondering what features you really rely on to get the job done. For me its: - Speed - Simplicity - Multiuser, multi-project - Drag and drop stuff / minimum clicks. Be as fast to modify as Notepad or Excel - Track priorities, status, assignees, due dates, milestones - Roll up of values (eg add all the time estimates for child items and show it on the parent) - Email alerts - free form comments within each item - uploads of screenshots or docs - tie into source code control What do the guys who actually do this stuff properly find the most important?
cheers, Chris Maunder The Code Project | Co-founder Microsoft C++ MVP
I love that with all of the different forums for asking questions, you come to the Lounge for advice. I don't mean that sarcastically. I know that the Lounge is probably a pain in the ass, and doesn't exactly fit the site's goals, but you have to admit that when utilized properly, it can be pretty amazing.
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Every time I go to the Dentist I am told I need to floss. I get a lecture about how it is just a habit and that once I get used to it; it will become second nature. I take the free floss samples, every six months, I floss once or twice, then I stop. It is irritating, time-consuming, and doesn't fit my process. Besides, I brush and use mouthwash so; really I can skimp without flossing, right? And that is Bug Tracking and Project Management software to developers. This is also why the "Type-A"'s never have a problem with it. They may be alphas and go getters but they just accept things they don't understand and use the tool as what it is, a tool. They fit it into their process and their lives and as long as it makes pie charts they are happy. If you want a successful tool, pick one, build your process around it, and keep at it until it is habit. And remember, you are the boss, you shouldn't be coding any more anyway, just delegate the minutia.
Need custom software developed? I do custom programming based primarily on MS tools with an emphasis on C# development and consulting. "And they, since they Were not the one dead, turned to their affairs" -- Robert Frost "All users always want Excel" --Ennis Lynch
I'm about as A-type as they get.
Ennis Ray Lynch, Jr. wrote:
This is also why the "Type-A"'s never have a problem with it. They may be alphas and go getters but they just accept things they don't understand
I find this an odd statement. I never, ever just "accept" things that I don't understand. I find a reason to rewrite it and do it properly!
cheers, Chris Maunder The Code Project | Co-founder Microsoft C++ MVP
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I love that with all of the different forums for asking questions, you come to the Lounge for advice. I don't mean that sarcastically. I know that the Lounge is probably a pain in the ass, and doesn't exactly fit the site's goals, but you have to admit that when utilized properly, it can be pretty amazing.
I reckon we should just combine the forums into one big wad.
cheers, Chris Maunder The Code Project | Co-founder Microsoft C++ MVP
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I reckon we should just combine the forums into one big wad.
cheers, Chris Maunder The Code Project | Co-founder Microsoft C++ MVP
What if you made one forum that nobody could start a new thread on, but aggregated all the other forums for viewing and responses. Each post would also contain the name of the original forum. It would probably encourage spillover, which may be good or bad. Should I have posted this in the proper forum?
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What if you made one forum that nobody could start a new thread on, but aggregated all the other forums for viewing and responses. Each post would also contain the name of the original forum. It would probably encourage spillover, which may be good or bad. Should I have posted this in the proper forum?
One Forum to Rule Them All
cheers, Chris Maunder The Code Project | Co-founder Microsoft C++ MVP
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I've used a zillion issue trackers and project management systems and always, without fail, come back to using Excel or even just notepad. This is ridiculous given all the info I could be tracking that could (and should) be helping me. Instead of asking what issue tracker or PM software you use, I was wondering what features you really rely on to get the job done. For me its: - Speed - Simplicity - Multiuser, multi-project - Drag and drop stuff / minimum clicks. Be as fast to modify as Notepad or Excel - Track priorities, status, assignees, due dates, milestones - Roll up of values (eg add all the time estimates for child items and show it on the parent) - Email alerts - free form comments within each item - uploads of screenshots or docs - tie into source code control What do the guys who actually do this stuff properly find the most important?
cheers, Chris Maunder The Code Project | Co-founder Microsoft C++ MVP
Speed
- Simplicity
- Multiuser, multi-project
- Drag and drop stuff / minimum clicks. Be as fast to modify as Notepad or Excel
- Track priorities, status, assignees, due dates, milestones
- Roll up of values (eg add all the time estimates for child items and show it on the parent)
- Email alerts
- free form comments within each item
- uploads of screenshots or docs
I've used Fogbugz[^] on my previous project. It's not free but it meets almost what you want.
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I've used a zillion issue trackers and project management systems and always, without fail, come back to using Excel or even just notepad. This is ridiculous given all the info I could be tracking that could (and should) be helping me. Instead of asking what issue tracker or PM software you use, I was wondering what features you really rely on to get the job done. For me its: - Speed - Simplicity - Multiuser, multi-project - Drag and drop stuff / minimum clicks. Be as fast to modify as Notepad or Excel - Track priorities, status, assignees, due dates, milestones - Roll up of values (eg add all the time estimates for child items and show it on the parent) - Email alerts - free form comments within each item - uploads of screenshots or docs - tie into source code control What do the guys who actually do this stuff properly find the most important?
cheers, Chris Maunder The Code Project | Co-founder Microsoft C++ MVP
I'd be curious to know why you always come back to the spreadsheet paradigm. All the PM software that are around try to address most of the features you list and they specialize in that. So what is it that they are lacking ?
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I've used a zillion issue trackers and project management systems and always, without fail, come back to using Excel or even just notepad. This is ridiculous given all the info I could be tracking that could (and should) be helping me. Instead of asking what issue tracker or PM software you use, I was wondering what features you really rely on to get the job done. For me its: - Speed - Simplicity - Multiuser, multi-project - Drag and drop stuff / minimum clicks. Be as fast to modify as Notepad or Excel - Track priorities, status, assignees, due dates, milestones - Roll up of values (eg add all the time estimates for child items and show it on the parent) - Email alerts - free form comments within each item - uploads of screenshots or docs - tie into source code control What do the guys who actually do this stuff properly find the most important?
cheers, Chris Maunder The Code Project | Co-founder Microsoft C++ MVP
For me its most of the things you've listed with one or two adjustments. "Drag and drop stuff" not really 'a necesity', more of a 'nice to have'. - Completely Configurable - Advance/Strong search capabilities (to the point of database querying) - Pluggable (sky is the limit) - Ability to use with other tools.
"Program testing can be used to show the presence of bugs, but never to show their absence." << please vote!! >>
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I've used a zillion issue trackers and project management systems and always, without fail, come back to using Excel or even just notepad. This is ridiculous given all the info I could be tracking that could (and should) be helping me. Instead of asking what issue tracker or PM software you use, I was wondering what features you really rely on to get the job done. For me its: - Speed - Simplicity - Multiuser, multi-project - Drag and drop stuff / minimum clicks. Be as fast to modify as Notepad or Excel - Track priorities, status, assignees, due dates, milestones - Roll up of values (eg add all the time estimates for child items and show it on the parent) - Email alerts - free form comments within each item - uploads of screenshots or docs - tie into source code control What do the guys who actually do this stuff properly find the most important?
cheers, Chris Maunder The Code Project | Co-founder Microsoft C++ MVP
Chris Maunder wrote:
all the info I could be tracking that could (and should) be helping me
That's the crux of the matter, isn't it? My suggestion is to identify a small number of things that are important for you to track, find a tool that supports those things, and go. Bug trackers are notorious for feature metastasis. Managers think they can use them as automated cat herders to bring those unruly software morons in line. They love adding rules, priorities, responsible this, approval that, update by this date, send to this customer, don't send to that customer, and so on. Any time you think "it would be nice", or a feature comes across as "cool", drop it from your list. After a lot of experience with these in a number of environments, complexity doesn't serve anyone. The tracker I suffer with is a home-grown web app. The only good news is that the IT guy responsible for it is one of my running partners :). Instead, it sounds like you want a tool to help organize development activity. Keep track of the problem areas, let you set priorities, assign issues to engineers, track progress, and so on. While I've not used it, I know a fair number of folks who like FogBugz[^] from Fog Creek (Joel Spolsky). It sounds like it supports most of the features you mentioned.
Software Zen:
delete this;