The best way to report a software bug

Michael Blood has trained hundreds of founders, clients, teams and developers how and why to create a bug repwith all the right inforamtion in it. It is all here in one place so it can be easily linked by founders and developers

If you are a userIf you are a developer
Save time, money and frustration by sending a quality bug report.  

Read below to learn what information to include in a bug report and how to do it quickly on your device / workstation
Let this page explain to your users how to send a bug report.

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Save time, money and frustration by encouraging bug reports with all the needed information.  The first time.

Software Bug Reporting Overview:

Users find bugs in software all the time and they tell the developer about them.  

Several problems that occur in this process:

  • Users don’t describe the issue correctly,  or with enough detail for the developer to understand or correct it.  They focus on some portions of the error,  but miss others.
  • Developers must ask for additional information in order to understand the problem and the amount of time it takes to resolve the issue goes up. 
  • Some errors only happen in specific situations or do not repeat themselves so a developer can not see what the user was seeing.

This article provides a detailed description of how a user should reliably document a bug in a way that will enable a developer to fix it.

Don’t want to read the whole thing? – The short of it: record your screen with your voice describing the error as it happens – check the descriptions below to see how for your iPhone, Android, Windows or Mac

A bug report is a document that describes a software defect or issue in detail, including the steps to reproduce it, the environment in which it occurred, and any other relevant information. A good bug report should include:

  • A summary of the issue: A brief description of what the bug is and how it affects the application.
  • Steps to reproduce the bug: The exact steps that were taken to cause the bug to occur.
  • Expected behavior: What the application should do under normal circumstances.
  • Actual behavior: What the application does when the bug occurs.
  • Any additional notes: Any other relevant information, such as error messages or logs, that can help the development team understand the issue.

When reporting a bug on a website, it's important to provide as much detail as possible to help the developer understand the problem and its underlying cause. Here are some additional details to consider including in a website bug report:

  • URL: Provide the exact URL where the bug occurred, as it helps the developer to narrow down the issue's location.
  • Browser and version: Mention the browser and version you are using, as different browsers can render websites differently.
  • Error messages or console logs: If any error message or console log is visible, include it in the bug report. This information can be helpful for the developer in identifying the root cause of the issue.
  • Steps to reproduce the bug: This is one of the most crucial pieces of information in a bug report. The more detailed the steps, the easier it is for the developer to reproduce the issue and find a solution.
  • Expected behavior: Describe what should happen when the user takes the steps mentioned above.
  • Actual behavior: Mention what actually happens when the user takes the steps mentioned above.
  • Any additional notes: This could include any other information that might be relevant to the bug.

Here are the UI steps a user should follow to record their screen (with audio) on an iPhone:

  1. Open the "Control Center" by swiping down from the top-right corner of the screen on iPhone X and later models, or by swiping up from the bottom of the screen on earlier models.
  2. Tap the "Screen Recording" button (it looks like a circle with a dot inside it).
  3. A countdown will appear, and then the recording will begin. If you want to include audio, press and hold the Screen Recording button, then tap the "Microphone Audio" option.
  4. Navigate to the screen that is experiencing the issue. Be sure to start several steps back and work your way up to the point where the issue occurs to ensure that the video includes all of the steps that lead up to the error.
  5. As you navigate through the app, describe out loud what you are doing and what you expect to see at each step. This will provide important context for the developer and help them understand the issue more clearly.
  6. When you are finished, tap the red "Record" button in the status bar to stop the recording.

By following these steps, users can easily record their screen (with audio) on an iPhone and provide developers with a clear and detailed view of the issue, along with important context and commentary that can help them diagnose and fix the problem more quickly and effectively.

Here are the steps a user should follow to record their screen using only an Android handset:

  1. Press and hold the power button on the right side of the device.
  2. Tap the "Start recording" or "Record screen" option.
  3. Allow any necessary permissions and follow the on-screen instructions to start the recording.
  4. Navigate to the screen where the issue is occurring and start several steps PRIOR to the error in order to help provide context and give developers a better understanding of how the issue arose.
  5. If possible, turn on audio recording at the same time as you started the screen recording
  6. As you navigate through the app or interface, talk to the screen and describe what you are clicking on, as well as what you are seeing that is the problem, and also describe what you expected to see (but are not seeing).
  7. Once you have captured the entire sequence of steps, stop the recording and save the video file.
  8. Review the video file to be sure it captured the information and the developer will be able to use this information to see the entirety of the problem.
  9. If you recorded audio,  be sure that you are able to hear the audio so the developer can also hear it.
  10. If you did not record audio,   be sure to include information in your report which explains the steps and when the error occurred. (We really recommend audio though....)

A bug report must contain detailed information about the problem encountered, the steps to reproduce it, and any relevant context for several reasons:

  1. Reproducibility: Providing detailed steps to reproduce the issue ensures that the developer can recreate the problem consistently, making it easier to identify the root cause and fix it.
  2. Context: Including information about the version of the software being used, the operating system, and any relevant settings or configurations can provide important context that helps the developer understand the problem and potential causes.
  3. Communication: A clear and concise description of the problem, along with any relevant error messages or screenshots, can help the developer understand the issue quickly and accurately, reducing the time and effort required to diagnose and fix the problem.

By providing this information, the user can help ensure that the developer can identify and fix the issue quickly and efficiently, saving time, money, and frustration for everyone involved.

There are several methods that can be used to deliver information in a bug report, including:

  1. Text description: A written description of the problem can be an effective way to communicate the issue, including any relevant error messages or other details.
  2. Screenshots: Including screenshots or other visual aids can help to illustrate the issue and provide additional context for the developer.
  3. Screen recordings: Recording a video of the problem as it occurs can be an effective way to demonstrate the issue and provide detailed context for the developer.
  4. Logs and other technical data: Including system logs, debug output, or other technical data can help the developer understand the underlying cause of the problem and work towards a solution more quickly.

By using one or more of these methods, users can help ensure that their bug reports are clear, concise, and effective in communicating the problem to the developer.

A software developer uses the information provided in a bug report to identify, diagnose, and fix issues in their program. If important information is missing from a bug report, it can make this process more difficult and time-consuming, potentially leading to delays in fixing the issue or introducing new problems while attempting to resolve the original issue.

For example, if a bug report does not include specific steps to reproduce the issue, the developer may have to spend additional time testing the software in different scenarios to try to identify the problem. If the report does not include the version of the software being used, the developer may not be able to reproduce the issue at all, as the problem may have already been fixed in a newer version.

In some cases, missing information in a bug report can even lead to new problems. For example, if the report does not include information about the user's hardware or operating system, the developer may introduce new bugs while attempting to fix the original issue on a different system.

Overall, providing a complete and detailed bug report can help ensure that developers are able to identify and fix issues more quickly and effectively, reducing the overall impact on users and minimizing the potential for new problems to arise.

A developer uses the information provided in a bug report to identify, diagnose, and fix issues in their software. They may use the information to reproduce the issue, analyze any error messages or system logs, and develop and test potential solutions.

For example, a developer may use the steps to reproduce the issue provided in the bug report to recreate the problem in a testing environment. They may then analyze any error messages or other technical data to understand the underlying cause of the issue, and develop and test potential solutions to address the problem.

Once a fix has been developed, the developer may then release an update or patch to the software that addresses the issue. In some cases, they may also reach out to the user who reported the issue to gather additional information or to verify that the problem has been resolved.

Overall, the information provided in a bug report is critical to the developer's ability to identify and fix issues in their software, and can help ensure that the software is as reliable and functional as possible.

A quality bug report can save time in several ways:

  1. Faster problem identification: A well-written bug report can help developers identify and diagnose the problem more quickly and accurately, reducing the time required to locate and understand the issue.
  2. Reduced communication time: A quality bug report can help ensure that all the necessary information is provided up front, reducing the need for developers to spend additional time communicating with the user to gather more information.
  3. Faster issue resolution: By providing detailed information about the problem and steps to reproduce it, a quality bug report can help developers identify and fix the issue more quickly, reducing the overall time required for development and testing.
  4. Minimized downtime: By addressing issues more quickly, quality bug reports can help minimize the amount of time that software is unavailable or not functioning as expected, reducing the impact on users and organizations.

Overall, a quality bug report can help minimize the time and effort required to identify, diagnose, and fix issues in software, improving the efficiency of the software development and support process.

Describing a bug verbally by phone can have some advantages and disadvantages compared to other methods of reporting bugs, such as written bug reports. Here are some pros and cons:

Pros:

  • Fast communication: Describing a bug verbally can be a faster way to communicate the issue to the developer, as it allows for real-time conversation and feedback.
  • More personal interaction: Talking to a developer on the phone can provide a more personal and engaging interaction, which may help to build rapport and understanding between the user and developer.
  • Clarification and questions: Verbal communication allows the developer to ask questions and clarify details as needed, which can help ensure that they fully understand the issue.

Cons:

  • Lack of documentation: Verbal communication does not provide a written record of the bug report, which can make it more difficult to track and reference the issue over time.
  • Misunderstandings: Without a written record, there is a greater risk of misunderstandings or miscommunication between the user and developer, which can delay the resolution of the issue.
  • Technical limitations: Describing technical details verbally can be more challenging than providing them in writing (or with video support), which may limit the amount of detail that can be conveyed.

Overall, while verbal bug reports can be a useful way to communicate issues quickly and build relationships between users and developers, they may not be the best choice for complex or technical issues that require detailed documentation and analysis.

Describing a bug by email using screenshots and text can have some advantages and disadvantages compared to other methods of reporting bugs, such as verbal bug reports. Here are some pros and cons:

Pros:

  • Detailed documentation: Providing a written record of the bug report, along with screenshots or other visual aids, can provide a detailed and comprehensive record of the issue that can be easily referenced and tracked over time.
  • Clarity: Written bug reports can be more clear and precise than verbal reports, as users have more time to carefully craft their description and provide specific details about the issue.
  • Technical detail: Providing screenshots and other technical details can help developers better understand the issue and develop more effective solutions.

Cons:

  • Lack of personal interaction: Written bug reports lack the personal interaction of verbal reports, which can make it more difficult to build relationships and understand the user's perspective.
  • Limited scope: Written bug reports may be limited in scope, as users may not be able to convey the full extent of the issue or its impact on their workflow.
  • Delayed feedback: Written bug reports may take longer to receive feedback or resolution from the developer, as the issue must be reviewed and analyzed before a solution can be developed.

Overall, describing bugs by email using screenshots and text can be a powerful way to communicate issues clearly and comprehensively, but may be less effective for building relationships and developing a deep understanding of the user's needs and experiences.

Sending screenshots and text to describe a bug can have some advantages and disadvantages compared to other methods of reporting bugs, such as video bug reports. Here are some pros and cons:

Pros:

  • Easy to create: Screenshots and text descriptions can be quickly and easily created, without requiring any specialized equipment or software.
  • Small file sizes: Screenshots and text descriptions are generally much smaller in size than videos, making them easier to share or upload, especially on slow or unreliable internet connections.
  • Easy to reference: Written bug reports can be easily referenced and tracked over time, making them a useful tool for tracking the progress of bug reports and ensuring that issues are being addressed.

Cons:

  • Limited detail: Screenshots and text descriptions may be limited in detail compared to videos, as they may not be able to capture the full extent of the issue or provide as much technical detail.
  • Potential for confusion: Without a clear and concise written description, screenshots may not provide enough context to fully understand the issue, potentially leading to confusion or misunderstandings.
  • Less clarity: Without the ability to demonstrate the issue in real-time, screenshots and text descriptions may be less clear or precise than videos, making it more difficult for developers to understand and diagnose the issue.

Overall, sending screenshots and text descriptions can be a useful way to report bugs quickly and easily, but may be less effective for communicating complex technical issues or providing a detailed analysis of the issue.

Sending a video to describe a bug can have some advantages and disadvantages compared to other methods of reporting bugs, such as verbal or written bug reports. Here are some pros and cons:

Pros:

  • Detailed documentation: Videos can provide a detailed and comprehensive record of the issue, including visual cues and technical details that may be difficult to convey in written or verbal reports.
  • Clarity: Videos can be a very clear and effective way to demonstrate the issue, as users can show exactly what is happening on their screen and how it is affecting their workflow.
  • Time-saving: Recording a video can be a quick and efficient way to document the issue, as users can demonstrate the issue in real-time without having to write a detailed description.

Cons:

  • Large file sizes: Videos can be quite large in size, which can make them difficult to share or upload, especially if the user has a slow or unreliable internet connection.
  • Technical limitations: Some technical issues may be difficult to capture in a video format, especially if they are intermittent or difficult to reproduce.
  • Lack of personal interaction: Videos lack the personal interaction of verbal reports, which can make it more difficult to build relationships and understand the user's perspective.

Overall, sending a video to describe a bug can be a very effective way to document the issue and provide detailed technical information to developers, but may be less effective for building relationships and developing a deep understanding of the user's needs and experiences.

Here are the steps a user should follow to record a bug on their screen on a Windows Desktop:

  1. Press and hold the Windows key and the letter "G" on your keyboard. This will open the Xbox Game Bar.
  2. Click the "Yes, this is a game" checkbox, even if the issue is not game-related.
  3. Click the "Record" button to start the screen recording.
  4. Navigate to the screen where the issue is occurring.
  5. Talk to the screen and describe what you are clicking on, as well as what you are seeing that is the problem, and what you expect to see. If possible, turn on audio recording at the same time as starting the screen recording to capture your voice.
  6. Once you have captured the sequence of steps, stop the recording and save the video file.
  7. Open the File Explorer and navigate to the location where the video was saved. This is typically in the "Videos" folder in the user's profile.
  8. Attach the video file to an email or other message and send it to the software developer or support team.

Note that these instructions apply to Windows 10. On older versions of Windows, users may need to use third-party screen recording software or follow different steps to record their screen.

Here are the steps a user should follow to record a bug on their screen on a Mac Desktop:

  1. Press "Command + Shift + 5" on your keyboard. This will open the "Screenshot" app.
  2. Click on the "Options" button on the screen that appears.
  3. Choose whether you want to record the entire screen or just a portion of it.
  4. If you want to record audio along with the screen recording, select the "Built-in Microphone" or other external microphone from the "Options" menu.
  5. Click on the "Record" button to start the screen recording.
  6. Navigate to the screen where the issue is occurring.
  7. Talk to the screen and describe what you are clicking on, as well as what you are seeing that is the problem, and what you expect to see.
  8. Once you have captured the sequence of steps, click on the "Stop" button in the menu bar.
  9. The screen recording file will be automatically saved to your desktop. If you cannot find it on your desktop, you can also check the "Movies" folder in your user account.
  10. Attach the video file to an email or other message and send it to the software developer or support team.

Note that these instructions apply to macOS Mojave and later versions. On older versions of macOS, users may need to use third-party screen recording software or follow different steps to record their screen.

When reporting a bug to a developer, it's important to provide as much detail as possible about the issue. A video recording that captures both your screen and audio can be very helpful for the developer to understand the issue. This way, they can see exactly what you're doing and hear your commentary about the issue as it occurs.

Screen shots with a written description can also be useful, but they may not capture the full context of the issue. In addition, they may not show the developer the exact steps you took to encounter the bug.

A well-written description of the issue can also be useful, but it's important to be as specific as possible. Include information about the device and browser you're using, the URL you were on, and any error messages that appeared.

When a developer receives a bug report, the first thing they typically do is try to reproduce the issue themselves. This allows them to experience the issue first-hand and take ownership of the problem.

If the developer can't reproduce the issue, they may ask for more information about the steps that led to the bug. They may also look at the code to try to determine the root cause of the issue.

Once the developer has a good understanding of the issue, they can begin working on a fix. They may also communicate with the person who reported the bug to get more information or to provide updates on the progress of the fix.

A screen recording captures everything that appears on your screen, including the URL, mouse movements, and any error messages that appear. It also captures each step you take before, during, and after the issue occurs, including any background or invisible steps that may be contributing to the problem.

Screen recordings can be especially helpful for capturing issues that occur intermittently or are difficult to describe in words. By showing the exact steps you took to encounter the issue, you can help the developer understand the context and better diagnose the problem.

Screen capture is better than other forms of bug reporting because it provides a visual record of the exact steps that led to the issue. This can help the developer understand the issue more fully and diagnose the problem more quickly.

With a screen recording, you don't need to stop to take screenshots or write detailed descriptions of each step. You can simply record yourself going through the process as you normally would, and the recording will capture everything automatically.

Screen capture is also more time-efficient for both the reporter and the developer. It allows the reporter to explain the issue more quickly and accurately, and it allows the developer to diagnose the problem more quickly and accurately.

Bugs can take on many forms and can occur for various reasons, including coding errors, incorrect software design, or compatibility issues. The three main categories of bugs include:

  • Visual bugs: These bugs affect the visual elements of an application or website, such as broken images, incorrect formatting, and layout issues. They can be caused by coding errors or issues with the web browser or device used to access the application.
  • Functional bugs: These bugs affect the functionality of an application, such as broken links, forms that don't submit correctly, or buttons that don't work. These bugs can be caused by coding errors, data input errors, or compatibility issues.
  • Performance bugs: These bugs affect the performance of an application, such as slow loading times, high memory usage, or freezing. They can be caused by coding errors or compatibility issues with the hardware or software used to access the application.

If you don't provide enough information about a bug, it can be difficult for developers to reproduce the issue and determine the root cause of the problem.

This can lead to delays in fixing the bug or even make it impossible to fix at all.

The more detailed and specific the bug report is, the easier it is for the development team to understand and resolve the issue.

When reporting a bug, it's important to include as much detail as possible to help the development team understand the issue.
Common mistakes that people make when reporting bugs include:

  • Failing to include the steps to reproduce the bug: Developers need to know the exact steps that were taken to reproduce the bug so they can replicate the issue and find a solution.
  • Not specifying the platform or device used: The development team needs to know what device or platform was used to access the application, such as the web browser and version, operating system, and device type.
  • Neglecting to mention any error messages or logs: Error messages and logs can provide valuable information about what went wrong and help developers understand the issue.

 

Bug reporting software is a tool that developers use to manage and track bug reports.

These tools allow developers to prioritize and assign bugs to team members, provide updates on their status, and collaborate on finding solutions.

Some popular bug reporting software includes Jira, Bugzilla, and GitHub Issues.

When reporting a bug in a mobile app, here are some additional details to consider including in a bug report:

  • Name of the app and version number: Provide the name of the app, its version number, and any other details relevant to the app's configuration.
  • Device make and model, including the operating system and version: Mention the device make and model and its operating system and version number. This information helps the developer reproduce the issue on the same device.
  • Error messages or logs: If any error message or log is visible, include it in the bug report. This information can be helpful for the developer in identifying the root cause of the issue.
  • Steps to reproduce the bug: This is one of the most crucial pieces of information in a bug report. The more detailed the steps, the easier it is for the developer to reproduce the issue and find a solution.
  • Expected behavior: Describe what should happen when the user takes the steps mentioned above.
  • Actual behavior: Mention what actually happens when the user takes the steps mentioned above.
  • Any additional notes: This could include any other information that might be relevant to the bug.

If you're the software's founder you should send the bug report to your developer.

As a user of a product or service, you should typically send bug reports to the support team or the developer listed on the company's website.

If you're an internal team member, you should send bug reports to the appropriate developer or project manager.

Providing a clear and detailed bug report can help expedite the debugging process and ensure that issues are resolved quickly and efficiently.

The types of errors that can occur in an app are endless, and even the most experienced developers cannot guarantee that an app will be completely error-free.

  • You are unable to login to your account
  • The layout is preventing you from accessing a specific area
  • You do not see an area you expected to see

Other common errors include slow performance, app crashes, and issues with the user interface.
These types of errors can be caused by various factors, including coding errors, compatibility issues, hardware problems, and network issues.

 

When an error occurs, it's important to provide the developer with as much information as possible.
This will help the developer identify the cause of the error and find a solution more quickly.
There are various ways to provide information about an error to the developer.

A very common one is to send an email with each piece of information listed.
In the email, you should include the website URL, the steps that led up to the problem, what you were expecting to happen, and what actually happened.
This information will allow the developer to reproduce the error on their end and troubleshoot it more effectively.

Another option is to use a web form to submit a help desk ticket.
This form will typically collect each of the necessary pieces of information, making it easier for the developer to diagnose the issue.

However, the most ideal way to provide information about an error is to create a video that shows all of the information.

This video can be incredibly helpful for developers, as it allows them to see exactly what's happening on your end and pinpoint the issue more accurately.

 

In order for a developer to accurately diagnose and fix an error, they need to have as much information as possible.
One of the most important pieces of information is the ability to reproduce the error.
If a developer can reproduce the error on their own system, they can then dive deeper into the code and find out what is causing the problem.

Another crucial piece of information that a developer needs is the website URL where the error occurred.
This allows the developer to see the same page or app that the client was experiencing the error on, which can help to identify the root cause of the issue.

Additionally, knowing the steps that led up to the problem is important, as it can help the developer to narrow down where the error might be occurring and what code needs to be reviewed.

Lastly, it's important for a developer to know what the client was expecting to happen and what actually happened.
This helps the developer to understand the client's perspective and can provide important context for diagnosing the error.
Providing as much detail as possible about the error can help the developer to quickly and accurately fix the problem.

Providing detailed information about errors is crucial to helping the developer identify and fix the problem.
If the developer can reproduce the error on their end, they will be able to figure it out and fix it more easily.
This is why it's important to provide information about the website URL, the steps that led up to the problem, and what you were expecting to happen.

Additionally, providing detailed information can help the developer identify patterns in the errors.
If multiple users are reporting the same error, it could indicate a larger issue that needs to be addressed.

Overall, the more detailed and comprehensive the information you can provide, the easier it will be for the developer to diagnose and fix the problem.
This will ultimately result in a better experience for your users and ensure that the app is running smoothly.

Developers need to get detailed information about errors because it helps them to understand what is going wrong and how to fix it.
By having all of the information needed to reproduce the error on their own system, developers can dive deeper into the code and identify the root cause of the issue.
This allows them to quickly and accurately fix the problem, reducing the impact of the error on the client's experience.

In addition to reproducing the error, developers also need to know the steps that led up to the problem and what the client was expecting to happen.
This helps the developer to understand the client's perspective and can provide important context for diagnosing the error.
By knowing what the client was expecting to happen, the developer can better identify where the error occurred and what code needs to be reviewed.

Overall, providing detailed information about errors to developers is essential for ensuring that issues are resolved quickly and accurately.
By having all of the information needed to reproduce and diagnose the error, developers can quickly identify and fix the problem, minimizing the impact on the client's experience.

 

Recording your screen can have several benefits for the developer when trying to troubleshoot an error.

One of the main advantages is that it allows the developer to see exactly what is happening on the user's end, which can be helpful in pinpointing the root cause of the error.

As the developer watches the recording, they can observe each step that the user took before the error occurred, which can give them a better idea of what might have gone wrong.

Yes, in some cases, recording your screen can be particularly useful. For example, there may be instances where the error message flashes on the user's screen so quickly that they aren't able to recognize it or capture it in a screenshot.

By recording their screen, they can capture the error message and provide it to the developer, which can be invaluable in resolving the issue.

 

Yes, there are other tools that can be used in addition to screen recording software. For example, if the user has access to a document camera or any other type of camera that can record their actions, this can be even more helpful.

The developer can observe the user's actions and finger movements (if using a touchscreen or app) in real-time, which can make it easier to pinpoint where the error occurred and what might have caused it.

If you find a bug in an app or website, the best thing to do is report it as soon as possible.

This helps the developers or site owners identify the issue and fix it.

Depending on the platform or product, there may be a contact form, support email, or a bug reporting tool available.

Make sure to provide as much detail as possible, including the steps to reproduce the bug, device information, and any error messages or logs.

When submitting a bug report, you should include the following information: a brief summary of the issue, steps to reproduce the bug, expected behavior, actual behavior, and any additional notes.

Make sure to provide clear and concise information that helps the developers understand the issue and identify a solution.
Providing screenshots or screen recordings can also be helpful in certain cases.

Reporting bugs is essential for developers to improve the quality and reliability of their software.

Bugs can cause frustration for users and impact the overall user experience.

By reporting bugs, you help ensure that the product is functioning as intended and that any issues are addressed promptly.

A bug tracking system is a software tool that helps developers manage and track bugs reported by users or identified through testing.

These systems allow developers to prioritize bugs, assign them to team members, and track their progress.

Bug tracking systems can also generate reports and analytics to help identify trends or recurring issues.

Severity level is a way of classifying bugs based on their impact on the product or user experience.

Bugs can be classified as critical, high, medium, or low severity, depending on their impact.

Critical bugs can cause the product to crash or result in data loss, while low-severity bugs may be minor visual or cosmetic issues.

Priority level is a way of classifying bugs based on their importance or urgency.

Bugs can be classified as high, medium, or low priority, depending on their impact on the product or user experience.

High-priority bugs may require immediate attention, while low-priority bugs can be addressed at a later time.

In most cases, you cannot report bugs anonymously.

When submitting a bug report, you typically need to provide contact information or a username associated with the product or service.

This allows the support team or developers to follow up with you and provide updates on the issue.

An unstructured method of reporting an error may make it possible to report a bug without disclosing your identity,  however the bug may (or may not) be taken seriously if you do not include your identity

 

After submitting a bug report, the support team or developers will review the information provided and attempt to reproduce the issue.

If the issue is reproducible, the team will work on identifying the root cause and developing a fix.

You may receive updates on the progress of the bug, such as when it is fixed or if additional information is needed.

The time it takes to fix a bug can vary depending on the severity and complexity of the issue.

Critical bugs may be addressed immediately, while low-severity bugs may be scheduled for a future release.

In some cases, fixing a bug may require significant changes to the code or testing, which can take longer to complete.

If your bug report is not resolved or you have not received updates on the issue, you can follow up with the support team or developers.

You may need to provide additional information or clarify the issue to help them identify the problem.

Depending on your relationship with the developers or software owners you may be able to prioritize some bugs over work efforts

To make your bug report more effective, you should provide clear and concise information that helps the developers understand the issue.

Include detailed steps to reproduce the bug, as well as any error messages or logs.

Providing screenshots or screen recordings can also be helpful in certain cases.

It's also important to be patient and responsive to follow-up questions from the support team or developers.

A regression bug is a bug that reappears in a product after it was previously fixed.

This can occur when new changes or updates to the product introduce the same issue that was previously addressed.

Yes, you can report multiple bugs in a single report.

However, it's important to be clear and concise about each issue and provide the necessary information for each bug.

This can help the support team or developers prioritize and address the issues more efficiently.

A bug fix is a change made to a product to address a reported issue or bug.

The fix may involve modifying code, updating configurations, or making other changes to the product.

 

You can check if a bug has been fixed by following up with the support team or developers.

They can provide updates on the status of the bug and whether or not it has been resolved.

In some cases, the fix may be included in a product update or release notes.

A known issue is a bug or issue that has already been identified by the support team or developers.

This information may be included in the product documentation or release notes to inform users of the issue and any workarounds or fixes.

A bug bounty program is a reward system offered by companies to encourage users to report bugs and security vulnerabilities in their products.

The program offers a financial reward or other incentives for valid bug reports, which can help improve the security and reliability of the product.

Reporting a bug in an open source project may require following specific guidelines or procedures. This information can typically be found in the project's documentation or on the developer's website. Some open source projects may also use bug tracking systems or have a specific email address for bug reports.

User acceptance testing is a process of testing a product or feature with a group of users to ensure that it meets their needs and expectations.

This type of testing can help identify issues or bugs that may not have been discovered through other testing methods.

Exploratory testing is a type of testing that involves exploring the product or feature without a predefined test plan.

This approach allows testers to uncover bugs or issues that may not have been discovered through traditional testing methods.

Regression testing is a type of testing that is performed after changes or updates have been made to a product or feature.

The purpose of regression testing is to ensure that the changes do not introduce new bugs or issues.

You can prioritize your bug reports by identifying the impact of the bug on the product or user experience.

Bugs that have a significant impact on functionality or usability should be prioritized higher than bugs that have a lesser impact.

It's also important to consider the number of users affected by the bug and how critical the affected functionality is to the product.

If you aren't involved directly with prioritizing which bugs get worked on you would want to communicate the impact of the bug to the developer so they can prioritize it.

A bug lifecycle refers to the different stages that a bug goes through from discovery to resolution.

The lifecycle typically includes stages such as discovery, reproduction, triage, fixing, testing, and closure.

Bug triage is the process of reviewing and prioritizing reported bugs.

During bug triage, the support team or developers will review the bug reports, assess the impact and severity of the bugs, and prioritize them for fixing based on their impact on the product or user experience.

You can typically receive confirmation that your bug report has been received via email or through the bug reporting software.

Some bug reporting systems may also provide a status update on the bug report, such as whether it is being reviewed or has been prioritized for fixing.

If an automated bug reporting system does not return an email,  a developer would ideally return your email.

Ideally a developer would reply to you to give you an updates on the status of your bug report.

If your bug report was made through a bug reporting software you would likely receive automated updates.

A bug backlog is a list of reported bugs that have not yet been prioritized or addressed by the support team or developers.

The backlog can be used to track and manage reported bugs, and ensure that they are addressed in a timely manner.

You can track the progress of a bug fix by following up with the support team or developers or checking the bug reporting software.

Some bug reporting systems may provide updates on the status of the bug fix, such as when it is expected to be released or when it has been included in a product update.

A bug is an error or defect in the software that causes unexpected behavior or produces incorrect results.

For example, if you click on a button and nothing happens, that could be considered a bug.

On the other hand, a feature request is a suggestion for a new feature or enhancement to an existing feature.

For example, if you want a search bar added to the software, that would be a feature request.

Both the terms "bug" and "defect" refer to a flaw in the software.

However, the term "defect" is typically used when referring to a more severe issue that affects the functionality of the software.

A defect is a problem that causes the software to behave in a way that is different from what is expected or specified in the requirements.

A bug, on the other hand, is a more general term that refers to any issue or error in the software, regardless of its severity.

If you can't reproduce the bug, the first thing you should do is check if there are any steps that you might have missed in your initial report.

If you are still unable to reproduce the bug, you can reach out to the development team and ask for their assistance in identifying the problem.

It is also helpful to provide as much detail as possible about your experience with the bug and any other relevant information, such as the specific conditions under which the bug occurred.

Yes, including a video recording of the bug in your bug report can be very helpful for the developers.

A video recording provides a visual representation of the issue, which can make it easier for the developers to understand what is happening and how to reproduce the bug.

It is important to ensure that the video recording is clear and easy to understand, and that any relevant details or information are highlighted.

 

After a bug has been fixed, it is important to provide feedback to the development team about your experience with the fix.

This can include information about whether the bug was completely resolved, any new issues that may have been introduced as a result of the fix, and any other feedback that you may have.

Providing feedback is an important part of the bug reporting process, as it helps the development team to improve the quality of their software and ensure that future bugs are identified and addressed quickly.

Providing steps to reproduce the bug is crucial in helping the development team to identify and address the issue.

By providing clear and concise steps, you can help the developers to quickly identify the source of the problem and begin working on a solution.

Without clear steps, it can be difficult for the development team to understand what is happening and how to reproduce the issue, which can lead to delays in resolving the bug.

If you encounter a recurring bug, it is not necessary to submit a separate bug report for each instance of the bug.

Instead, you can provide updates to your existing bug report with any new information or details that you have discovered.

This will help to keep all of the information about the bug in one place, making it easier for the development team to track and address the issue.

Developers work hard to fix bugs and improve software, and it is always appreciated when users take the time to thank them for their efforts.

You can thank developers for fixing a bug you reported by sending a message or email expressing your appreciation.

You might also consider leaving a positive review for the software, sharing your positive experience with others, or sending a small gift or token of appreciation to the development team.

Some popular screen recording software options include OBS Studio, Camtasia, Snagit, and Loom.

Each of these software options offers unique features and capabilities, such as the ability to record audio, edit recordings, and share recordings with others.

When selecting screen recording software, it is important to consider your specific needs and preferences, as well as the compatibility of the software with your device and operating system.

In addition,  check with your developer to be sure the method of capture is useful to them.

When selecting screen recording software, you should consider the features that are most important to you, such as the ability to record audio, edit recordings, and share recordings with others.

You may also want to consider the ease of use of the software, as well as the compatibility of the software with your device and operating system.

Other features to consider include the ability to capture specific windows or regions of the screen, the ability to add annotations or callouts to recordings, and the ability to record in high definition.

Recording audio along with your screen recording can be helpful in providing additional context and information about the bug you are reporting.

If the bug involves a sound or audio-related issue, recording audio can be particularly useful in helping developers understand the problem. We recommend YES!  include audio

The best way to share your screen recording with developers will depend on the preferences and capabilities of the development team.

In many cases, the bug reporting software or system used by the team will provide a way to upload and share recordings directly.

Alternatively, you may be able to share recordings through a cloud storage service such as Google Drive or Dropbox.

If you record video or screen captures with Loom,  you may only need to send a link to the recording in your account

It is important to follow any guidelines or instructions provided by the development team for sharing recordings.

You can use video editing software to highlight the specific part of the screen recording that demonstrates the bug.

For example, you can use a highlighter or text overlay to draw attention to the area where the bug occurs.

You can also slow down or pause the video at the moment the bug happens to provide a clearer demonstration to the developers.

Yes, there are many screen recording apps available for mobile devices that allow you to record your screen,  and you can use the built in screen recording tools for iphone and Android.

To record your screen on a mobile device, simply download a screen recording app from the app store and follow the instructions provided by the app or use the questions related to your device type above

Yes, you can use screen recording software to report bugs in live environments.

This can be especially helpful if the bug only occurs during a specific event or process that is difficult to reproduce.

By recording the live environment, you can provide developers with a clear demonstration of the bug as it happens.

To ensure that your screen recording is high quality, make sure that you have a strong internet connection and that your device has enough storage space to record the video.

Additionally, try to record in a well-lit area and avoid recording in areas with excessive background noise.

To protect sensitive information when recording your screen, make sure to only record the area of the screen that is necessary to demonstrate the bug.

Additionally, consider using an editing tool to blur or black out any sensitive information before sharing the video with developers.

Some popular screen sharing software options include Zoom, Microsoft Teams  and Google Meet

Each of these platforms offers screen sharing capabilities and may also offer additional features such as video conferencing and chat.

Yes, you can use screen sharing software to report bugs in real-time.

This can be helpful in cases where the developer needs to see the bug as it happens in order to diagnose the issue.

 

The best way to set up a screen sharing session with developers is to agree on a time that works for both parties and to determine which screen sharing software will be used.

Before the session, make sure that both parties have downloaded any necessary software and have tested their internet connection to ensure a smooth session.

Yes, screen sharing software can be used to collaborate with developers on bug fixes.

This allows for real-time collaboration and can be helpful in identifying and solving complex bugs.

A performance bug can manifest in several ways, such as slow program start-up or execution, long load times, or laggy user interface.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it may be a sign of a performance bug.

You can try closing other programs or restarting your device to see if that improves the performance. If the problem persists, you may want to contact the developer to report the issue.

A security bug is a flaw in the program that can be exploited by attackers to gain unauthorized access to your device or data.

As a user, you may notice unusual behavior or unexpected changes in your device or data.

For example, you may see unfamiliar files or receive phishing emails or messages.

If you suspect a security bug, you should stop using the program immediately and contact the developer or a security expert for assistance.

A usability bug is a flaw in the program's user interface or design that makes it difficult or frustrating to use.

You may notice that the program's layout or navigation is confusing, or that certain features are hard to find or use.

If you encounter a usability bug, you can try to find workarounds or contact the developer to suggest improvements.

A localization bug occurs when the program's text or language is not correctly translated or adapted for your region or language.

You may notice that the program displays text in the wrong language or that certain characters or symbols are not displayed correctly.

If you encounter a localization bug, you can try changing the language or region settings in the program or contacting the developer to report the issue.

A regression bug occurs when a program that used to work correctly suddenly stops working after an update or change.

You may notice that the program crashes or produces error messages when you try to use it, even though it used to work before.

If you suspect a regression bug, you can try rolling back to an earlier version of the program or contacting the developer to report the issue.