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Re: Apple Reorganizes Open Source Web Presence

At 8:11 PM -0700 5/3/02, Jordan Hubbard wrote:

I've been pretty involved with FreeBSD.org's ongoing search for a better bug tracking system since day one and I have to say that if you think bugzilla is so bad and "just about anything is better" then chances are excellent that you've never spent any time working with and managing "anything else" :-) I've used GNATs (which FreeBSD.org continues to use out of inertia but certainly not affection) and I've used Keystone and I've looked at Jitterbug and Scarab too - all fall short of the desired holy grail of "easy to use, powerful, open source solution without commercial strings attached."


I've used several. (but not the ones you mention) All i've liked better than bugzilla. However, my quibble isn't with "managing" it. It's just the UI.. (i'm a Mac guy)

The way i see it, the basic interface should be "simple", with more advanced features available if needed. The problem with bugzilla is all you see is this super-duper-advanced, badly organized query page that someone who just wants to submit a bug report, or browse bugs, just gets lost in. Just give me a damn search box! Just give me a "show all bugs" button! bugzilla clearly has a UI designed by programmers. :)

What the hell are all those box lists? Do i have to select someting in each box for a query to work? It sure looks like it. But apparently you can leave things unselected. But why is the "keyword" search box hidden in the center of the page? Isn't that the most common search? Why isn't it at the top? How often do you search on all these other things? I mean, seriously... It's just brain damage in a UI. It should be on the "interface hall of shame". I think i'll submit it. <http://www.iarchitect.com/mshame.htm>

Anyway, these aren't all free, or open, but they are simple. That's why I like them:

1. Sourceforge's bug tracker - Simple interface. Not confusing. Easy to navigate. Easy to admin. Disadvantages: missing some more advanced reporting and querying features.
2. Apple's (online!) bug reporter. Simple interface. Not confusing. No features. Don't have enough access to see the admin side. :)
3. Internal system at my former employer Vivendi Universal. Intuitive, powerful, simple interface. advanced features available but not so hidden as to be hard to find. Well organized query fields. Great reporting features. Wish it was available. :) (one programmer developed in about 2 months) (only downside, it was a little slow)
4. I do like this "mantis" thing. Definitely looks more usable than bugzilla. Bugzilla is impenetrable.

The main quibble i have is with the interface. I can tell bugzilla has all the features in the world. That seems to be the problem. :)

I understand (from various information i have gleaned) that Apple has an internal proprietary system, with a mac client. Sure would be nice if we could use that, segregated into an "open source" area.

(and to answer Ron's query: no, i don't have the inclination to contribute to bugzilla. That doesn't mean i can't complain.)

-Ben
--
http://homepage.mac.com/bhines/
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 >Re: Apple Reorganizes Open Source Web Presence (From: Jordan Hubbard <email@hidden>)



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