defect reporting

Using the right tools for the job is always important; with tools that become components of your software production line, it is critical. Perforce is a version control system with ready hooks for integration into bug tracking systems. The author explains the advantages of using Perforce and why you should consider it for your team.

Borrowing ideas from Robot, Rational's RobotJ focuses on automating a specific class of applications: Java and Web (HTML). RobotJ's scripts are based on a commom language (Java2), instead of yet another scripting language specific to yet another automation tool. Tom Arnold takes a look at test automation with Rational's RobotJ.

How well you present a defect to a developer can impact when a defect is resolved–or whether it is resolved at all. Deliver the information abruptly or inappropriately, and you run the risk of alienating a person or creating project hot spots that aren't needed. Deliver news too passively, and your report may be discarded. Karen Johnson describes some ways to soften the blow so that your defects are not only acknowledged, but fixed.

Margaret Ramsey looks at Defect Management with Soffront's TRACK Defects. She concludes: "If this tool meets your requirements and its pricing isn't out of your ballpark, it's definitely worth considering. With its customizability and ease of use, TRACK Defects is one tool that should be on your evaluation list."