Thread

I’m looking to implement a good web based bug tracker. I like the one Ellislab is using for ExpressionEngine.

Which one do they use?

Also, any recommendations on a good web based bug/issue tracking system?

We use a concoction of our own devising. An SAEF, categories and custom statuses, mostly.

I had a feeling that was the case.

Anybody have any other ideas of a good web based bug tracker?

Preferably it would have these features…

1. Open Source
2. PHP
3. Installable by us as opposed to an outside service

Does that mean you’re dismissing EE from the start? At least take a look a Lisa’s series of articles 😊

Not dismissing it… just looking for something that can be up and running in a few minutes and doesn’t require me to do additional development at this time. My schedule is pretty full at the moment.

Possible options we are considering…

1. Bugzilla
2. ActiveCollab
3. Build our own like Ingmar suggested.
4. The hidden solution I haven’t found yet because I’m typing in the wrong keywords in Google.

http://osticket.com/

but really EE (even a core)...a few custom fields and status is all you need.
The time taken to research = time to setup EE 😊

ActiveCollab (maybe a freebie - project pier)is great but you would be underusing it.

I rolled my own:

1. help desk system
2. building and grounds help request system
3. event system
4. technology inventory system

...all in EE for my school.  Lebisol is right - it’s a few custom categories and some custom statuses. I completely understand your desire to go with something coded outside - a “plug and go” solution - but EE worked pretty well for me!

Best of luck!

http://osticket.com/

but really EE (even a core)...a few custom fields and status is all you need.
The time taken to research = time to setup EE 😊

ActiveCollab (maybe a freebie - project pier)is great but you would be underusing it.

I have never seen that one before. I’ll have to look into it. Thanks!

Regarding rolling our own with ee… I’m not entirely against the idea but at the moment I don’t have the time to do it the way I want.

Thanks for the excellent ideas though.

Hi Ingmar,

Ok, so I’m revisiting this again and have rolled most of the bug tracker out in ExpressionEngine.  Now I’m wondering how to accept submissions from anyone as opposed to logged-in users only.

I haven’t need to allow non-logged in users to submit stuff before this… so I’m kinda stuck at figuring out how to accomplish this.

Is it necessary to use a plug-in like this?

Anonymous Member Plugin

or

LogMeIn

Is it necessary to use a plug-in like this?

Yes.  EE will not, by default, let anonymous users post using the SAEF.

Thanks Ingmar.

I went with LogMeIn and its working great.

I’ve looked at Lisa’s series many a few times before and it does work. However, still a wee bit away from completion to be a fully functional bug tracker.

Like you Todd I’ve looked for something preinstallable, looked at Bugzilla but it’s Perl based. The other one I’ve seen is Mantis. Haven’t even installed to test though.

Of the free offerings, the best I found was Mantis also. They have pretty good documentation too.  We ended up using ActiveCollab for the bug reports. The approach Lisa recommended here was not quite enough for our needs… but does do pretty well if you only need basic functionality.

What did you feel was missing from Lisa’s approach Todd?

Search functionality. Easier approach for non-registered visitors to submit bugs.

The bug reporting system Ellislab uses is more complex than what is provided in this simple solution posted by Lisa. It only gets you part of the way. However, for someone who just wants a very basic bug reporting system… it will do fine.

For a beefier approach, I would recommend Mantis.