Issue tracking is considered one of the most vital stages when it comes to the software development lifecycle. During the process, the developers should be able to capture any issues and resolve them quickly.
However, doing this type of procedure can be time-consuming; hence they use an issue tracking software like Jira test management software that provides a straightforward view of the whole project and its processes. By using the software, they’ll also be able to prioritize tasks as well as resolving any software issue to provide value to their customers.
What Is Jira Software?
Jira is known as one of the best task tracking tools out there.
Created in 2003, Jira is a project management tool that is commonly used to track and manage issues throughout the software development process. It also comes with sophisticated planning features, workflow engines, and comprehensive search functions that are very useful for the development of digital products. The issue tracker can provide contextual information about the on-going project and empower your developers to prioritize tasks correctly.
How Is the Jira Issue Tracking Works?
Jira project management tool is widely used as an issue-tracking tool for all types of testing. Here is how the Jira issue tracking works.
Capture Bugs
The Jira software can capture any software bugs anywhere in your projects. With this, your developers can quickly identify them and create an issue where all relevant details are added to resolve the bug efficiently.
Assigning and Prioritizing Issues
Once the software captures some bugs, they will be assigned and prioritized based on their importance and urgency. Issuing a task in Jira is relatively easy just by using the ticket feature, and it will keep everyone updated to ensure that your staff is working on the listed items.
Ensure That the Issues Are Resolved on Time
Jira issues tracking updates everyone about each issue status until they reach the status of ‘Done.’ The software will make sure to send notifications to ensure that the developers are well informed about the current state of the issue so they can focus on resolving them.
Notification System
As mentioned earlier, Jira has a notification feature that notifies the right people, which in turn enhances collaboration on issues resolution. Also, every time someone makes some changes, the software will automatically update everyone working on the project.
JIRA Issue Types
To further understand how Jira issue tracking works, you also need to know about the different types of issues that Jira handles.
Epic
The Epic is a type of umbrella issue since, usually, it is a large scale that may take several sprints to finish and may also span multiple components. An Epic can also consist of one or more stories.
Story
This issue is a piece of work that can be finished within a sprint. Usually, it is part of an Epic issue.
Bug
Normally, a Bug is a defect or an error, or a flaw that needs to be fixed either via code change, or documentation update, or change in configuration.
Task
The Task is breaking down a story into smaller task units that can be finished within a day or two. However, for splitting a story into a smaller task, it is highly recommended to use the Sub-task instead.
Sub-task
The Sub-task is used if a story has to be broken down into smaller task units, as have mentioned above.
Other Types of Jira Issues
In addition to above Jira issue type, there are other types of Jira issues.
Enhancement Request
Also called a change request (CR). This issue is used to show any changes in the existing functionality of the project.
Question
Usually, a question about how to use some features in the current project. The end customers often use this type of issue.
Financial Object
This type of issue is often used by the management to track their finances.
Test Case
This type of issue can only be used once Jira is integrated with plug-ins.
Read: A Beginner’s Guide to Software Localization
Steps on How to Create an Issue for Tracking
How to build a perfect Jira workflow for issue tracking? Here are basics principles for creating a Jira workflow for bug tracking.
Step 1:
The user must click on the ‘+’ (‘Create’) in the toolbar button to start creating an issue. The user will then select the project and issue/request type and then click the ‘Next’ button to proceed.
Step 2:
The user must need to enter the necessary details and other essential data as much as possible before leaving the ‘Create issue’ page.
Step 3:
Once all the necessary information is entered correctly, the user must click on the ‘Create’ button to generate a unique issue ID. Any particular issue can be searched using their designated issue ID.
Additional Information About the Create Issue Page
There will also be a configure field option that you can find on the top-right corner of the “Create Issue” page. This option can be used to or alter any fields that you would like to view in your create issue dialogue. Once an alteration is made, the Jira software will remember the adjustment for your succeeding issues too.
There is a “create another” option at the bottom of the “Create Issue” page. Once you have successfully created an issue, the Jira software would show the “Create Issue” dialogue if you wished to create another.
Furthermore, you also need to be familiarized with the custom fields when creating an issue in the create issue page such as follows:
- Summary
- Component/s
- Description
- Fix Versions
- Priority
- Labels
- Environment
- Attachment
- Affects Version/s
- Linked Issues
- Assignee
- Epic Link
- Team
- Estimate at the Start
- Reporter
JIRA Priority Definition for Issues
Defining priority field values helps your users determine which issues should be tackled first. Jira comes with default priority field values. Below is a set of default priorities that you can modify or add to.
Highest
This should have a catastrophic defect that might cause a total failure in the software. Developers must have to completely shut-down the whole process and proceed no further to avoid loss, and they must fix the issue with high-priority.
High
The erratic performance of the system causes this. While certain parts of the system may remain functional, any issues still must be fixed immediately.
Medium
The issue is under non-critical aspects of the system but still provides inconvenient results. While the system may be functional, it causes some undesirable behavior. Whatever the defect is, it should be corrected in the next release.
Low
While this won’t cause any significant break-down in the system, it still has an impact on the usability of the system.
Lowest
No impact on the system’s functionality but still can be enhanced in the next release.
Jira for Issue Tracking – Final Thought
Jira Software is an essential tool that makes a developer’s life much easier, especially when it comes to Issue tracking. This Jira software is so easy to use and highly customizable which can help in every aspect of the software development process.
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