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Bug fixing: Definition, procedure, best practices and tools

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Akil Natchimuthu
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Apr 17, 2022
Bug fixing: Definition, procedure, best practices and tools

What is a bug in software?

A bug is an error in a computer program. Bugs can occur in any stage of the software development process, from designing the program to testing it after it's been created. They can also occur during the actual use of the software, when it's not working as intended.


What is bug reporting?

Bug reporting is the process of submitting a bug report to a software developer or other interested party. When you submit a bug report, you provide information about the bug, including steps that may help reproduce it. This information helps the developer track down and fix the issue quickly.


What Does Bug Fix Mean?

A bug fix is a change to the code that addresses an identified bug. It's important to note that a bug fix doesn't always mean the problem has been fixed – it could simply be a workaround until a more permanent solution can be implemented.


Efficient way to perform bug fixing

There is no one perfect way to fix bugs. However, following a few simple guidelines can help you get the most out of bug fixing:

1. Try to reproduce the bug as accurately as possible. This will help you pinpoint exactly where the issue lies and ensure that your fix is effective.

2. Make sure your changes are properly documented and tested before you submit them to the developer team. This will help prevent any potential conflicts or issues down the line.

3. Avoid working on bugs that you don’t have a clear understanding of – this will only lead to frustration and wasted time.


Techniques for fixing bugs

There are many ways to fix bugs, but some common techniques include:


1. Testing - Before you do anything else, make sure that your software is actually working by testing it in a controlled environment. This way, you can avoid any embarrassing surprises during live customer interactions.


2. Walkthroughs and tutorials - If the bug is related to a complicated process or functionality, it can be helpful to create a walkthrough or tutorial on how to fix it. This will help users who are experiencing problems get the help they need as quickly as possible.


3. Automated testing - Another great way to automate bug fixing is to use software that automatically tests your software for errors. This way, you can catch bugs before they become problematic and prevent them from affecting customers or impacting business operations in any way.


4. Rapid prototyping - When you're trying to fix a bug, it can be helpful to quickly prototype alternative solutions so that you can find the best solution quickly and minimize impact on your users. This technique is especially helpful when there are multiple possible solutions and no one solution is guaranteed to work.


5. Debugging – Finally, if all else fails, debugging may be the best option for fixing bugs. This involves tracking down the source of the problem and resolving it as quickly as possible. It can be tricky and time-consuming, but it's usually the quickest and most effective way to fix a problem in software.


6. Using tools - There are many different tools that can be used for debugging and fixing bugs, including debuggers, profilers, and unit testing frameworks. It is important to select the right tool for the job, as each has its own strengths and weaknesses.


Some popular tools for bug- fixing

Disbug

Disbug is one of the best bug tracking tools out there. It can help you create detailed bug reports that contain all information related to the bug. The intuitive interface lets you add console logs, network logs, local storage, user clicks, and technical logs with ease. Just install the Disbug chrome extension and record visual proof with a screencast.

It can significantly boost communication with your development team and enhance team collaboration. It is fairly simple to use and even non-developers can take advantage of it.

• Create detailed bug reports with ease.

• Chrome extension for capturing bugs with screen recording

• Capture technical information such as browser, OS, and display resolution.

• Integrations for Jira, GitHub, GitLab, Asana, and more for ease of reporting bugs.

Trac

Trac is a bug fixing tool for the Java language. It is used to find and fix errors in Java source code. It can be used to find and fix errors in applications, libraries, and websites. Trac is written in the Python programming language and it is released under the GNU General Public License.


Trac is an open source project that is maintained by the Apache Software Foundation. It has a number of features that make it an excellent bug fixing tool, including the following:


* It can be used to find and fix errors in Java source code.

* It can be used to find and fix errors in applications, libraries, and websites.

* It has a search engine that allows you to search for specific keywords or phrases.

* It has a variety of filters that make it easy to find the bug you are looking for.

* It has a variety of reports that help you to analyze your bug fix results.


Usersnap

Usersnap is a bug fixing tool that allows users to easily submit bug reports and track the progress of their fixes. This is a great way for users to get assistance with resolving issues, and it also allows developers to track the progress of bug fixes. Usersnap also offers a user feedback feature so that users can give feedback on the fixes and provide suggestions for future fixes.


Usersnap is a great tool for users to use when they experience an issue with a website. By submitting a bug report, users can get help from the community and the developers. This can save users a lot of time and hassle, and it can also help developers to resolve issues faster.


It has a number of features that make it an excellent bug fixing tool, including the following:

- Automatic account creation for users who join the platform

- Powerful search capabilities that allow users to find and follow specific users, brands, or topics

- Scheduled posts and notifications for users' favorite accounts

- A "follow back" feature that sends a follow request to followers after a post has been liked

- A "promote this post" feature that allows users to promote their latest posts to their followers

- A "share this post" feature that allows users to share their latest posts with their followers

- Integrated calendars that allow users to see when their posts were published, liked, and shared

- An "archive this post" feature that allows users to delete their latest posts


Userback

Userback is a bug fixing tool that allows users to submit bugs and feedback on websites. It also provides users with a forum where they can discuss website issues and find solutions. Userback is a great resource for users who are not comfortable using social media to address website issues.


Userback is available as a Chrome extension and a Firefox plugin. It is also available as a desktop application that can be used on Windows and Mac. The desktop application allows users to fix bugs, submit feedback, and track website progress.


It offers a variety of features that make it easy for you to create quality content, including:


-User back-end that is easy to use and customizable

-Forms that allow you to collect data from your users

-Autocomplete fields that make it easy to collect user input

-Integrated social media features that allow you to connect with your users and engage them in your content

-A variety of templates that make it easy to get started




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