Defect Logging Best Practices by BetterBugs

Introduction

Every project, regardless of size or complexity, is susceptible to defects that can impede its functionality and user experience. Effective defect logging practices are essential for identifying, documenting, and ultimately resolving these issues.

In this blog, we will delve into the importance of defect logging and explore best practices for capturing comprehensive logs, including browser logs, screenshots, network logs, and the utilisation of videos with timestamps to aid developers in the debugging process.

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Special thanks to BetterBugs & Nishil P. for reviewing this edition of Newsletter.

Importance of Defect?Logging

Defect logging serves as the cornerstone of the debugging and resolution process in software development. It provides a systematic approach to identifying and documenting issues encountered during testing or in production environments.

By logging defects promptly and comprehensively, teams can maintain transparency, facilitate communication, and ensure accountability throughout the development lifecycle. Moreover, accurate defect logs serve as invaluable resources for root cause analysis, enabling teams to address underlying issues and prevent future recurrences.

Best Practices for Defect?Logging

Best Practices for Defect Logging are essential to ensure efficient communication and problem-solving within development teams. Without standardised practices, defect logging can be inconsistent and inefficient, leading to confusion, delays, and overlooked issues. By implementing best practices, such as clear and standardised defect descriptions, prioritisation criteria, and traceability, teams can streamline the defect management process, improve collaboration, and ultimately deliver higher quality software products.

1. Clear and Descriptive Descriptions:

When logging a defect, it is essential to provide clear and concise descriptions of the observed issue. Include relevant details such as the steps to reproduce the defect, expected behaviour, actual behaviour, environment details, and any error messages encountered. Clear descriptions help developers understand the problem quickly and accurately, reducing the time required for investigation and resolution.

2. Assigning Severity and Priority:

Defects should be categorised based on their severity and priority to ensure appropriate allocation of resources and timely resolution. Severity reflects the impact of the defect on the system or users, while priority indicates its urgency for resolution. Establishing clear criteria for severity and priority levels helps prioritise defects effectively and ensures that critical issues are addressed promptly.

3. Capturing Comprehensive Logs:

• Browser Logs: Logs generated by the web browser, including JavaScript errors, console messages, and network requests/responses.
• Screenshots: Visual representations of the application state at the time of the defect occurrence, aiding in visual inspection and comparison.
• Network Logs: Records of network requests and responses exchanged between the application and servers, facilitating analysis of communication issues and API interactions.
• Video with Timestamps: Recording a video of the defect occurrence along with timestamps can provide developers with additional context and a visual walkthrough of the issue. Timestamps help pinpoint the exact moment when the defect occurred, aiding in debugging and resolution.

4. Utilizing Defect Tracking?Tools:

Leveraging defect tracking tools or issue management systems streamlines the defect logging process, centralises information, and enables collaboration among team members. These tools provide features such as customizable workflows, automated notifications, and reporting capabilities, enhancing visibility and traceability of defects throughout their lifecycle.

5. Regular Updates and Follow-ups:

Defect logs should be updated regularly with additional information, status changes, and progress updates. Regular follow-ups ensure that defects are actively monitored, assigned to the appropriate individuals, and resolved in a timely manner. Communication channels should remain open to address any queries or clarifications promptly.

Using BetterBugs Chrome Extension

The existing bug-reporting process often involves cumbersome steps, manual input, and lacks visual aids, making it time-consuming and prone to errors. BetterBugs aims to address these issues by providing a streamlined, user-friendly interface and simplifying the bug-reporting steps. Its visual bug-reporting capabilities enable users to create comprehensive bug reports quickly and accurately, reducing the time and effort required for bug reporting by up to 10X.

Betterbugs.io can be added to your chrome extension within a click by using the link here: https://www.betterbugs.io/?. Once you add it to your browser you should be able to see the below:

Now when you perform testing on the web application you can just use the array of options available in BetterBugs, the key features of BetterBugs include screen capturing, screen recording, and Rewind.?

My personal favourite is the Rewind feature. Rewind enables you to capture any issues or bugs that just happened. You can replay your last 2-minute activity as a rewind session, on the website or domain for which the BetterBugs “Rewind” feature is enabled.The “Rewind” feature enabled on BetterBugs is like having a friend who keeps watching over your shoulder. You can refer your friend whenever you need help replaying the last 2-mins of your activity.

Conclusion:

Defect logging is an indispensable aspect of software quality assurance, enabling teams to identify, document, and resolve issues effectively. By adhering to best practices such as clear descriptions, comprehensive logging, and effective prioritisation, teams can streamline the defect management process and improve overall product quality.

Embracing the power of comprehensive logs, including browser logs, screenshots, network logs, and videos with timestamps, provides developers with valuable insights into the root causes of issues, accelerating the debugging and resolution process. In the pursuit of software excellence, robust defect logging practices serve as a guiding light, ensuring that every defect is acknowledged, addressed, and ultimately transformed into an opportunity for improvement.