Over the past 2 versions, beta testers have been using
Mantis to register and track bugs in Soldat. Mantis is an open-source bug tracker, intended to be installed into a webserver for a group of people to collaborate on discovering and tracking bugs.
Discussion came up recently over the use of Mantis and the possibility of opening it up for public use. Since 1.4.0 was released, the beta testers have also started warming up to the idea of having public betas. We're not there yet, but the public use of Mantis to track bugs in released versions of Soldat is a step in the right direction. If the public embraces and uses Mantis properly, then a public beta is a much more feasible idea.
So, with that said, Mantis is set up and publicly accessible at
http://soldat.pl/mantisSome general information:
Projects:
There are several separate projects in our Mantis setup. There are projects for:
- Soldat - This is for any client bug, or general bug that you are reporting. If you don't know where to put a bug, put it here.
- Soldat Dedicated Server - This is for any bug that you know is in the dedicated server. For example, if you find a bug in the scripting core, it would go here.
- Soldat Lobby Server - This is for bugs in the lobby server. If the bug is in the lobby section of the client or you are unsure, report the bug in the Soldat client. This is for bugs in the lobby-side filtering, any public/private APIs, or the lobby webpage
- Soldat Maps - This is a special project created specifically for map bugs. This project will eventually have a number of developers (a type of user in Mantis) who can work on fixing the reported bugs. Any bugs about missing files or other map-related bugs (like maybe a render bug or something) should go in the "Soldat" project. This is for things like poly bugs and other things that are problems with the map itself.
Versions:
Mantis can track multiple versions at once. Please make sure to file your bugs under the correct version. In the event that we have a public beta going on, there will be 2 versions you would consider reporting for. For example, if 1.4.3 was in public beta now and you found a bug in it, you would make sure to report the bug only for that version. If the bug is in 1.4.2, you would make sure to report it as that version.
Mantis should now be used as a core part of reporting a bug. Whenever you create a thread in the need help/report bugs forum to report a bug in Soldat, you should 1) look for a bug in Mantis that is related to what you're looking for then 2) create one if it doesn't exist. You should put a link to your bug report in your thread AND put a link to your thread in the bug report. This way if someone searches Mantis or the forums, they are more likely to find existing threads and reports and not create duplicates.
Beta testers will be managing bug reports in Mantis. If something is a duplicate, is filed in the wrong project/category, or otherwise needs a change made, beta testers are the people who can do this.
If you are a beta tester and your account has not been made a manager yet, please let me know and I'll make the changes.
I'll post more general information in this thread as questions come in and as I remember things I forgot.
If Mantis is used as we have hoped for it to be used, there will be little reason not to use public betas in the future. We all know about how many problems there were in 1.4.0 when it came out, and I think everyone now accepts that it just isn't possible for a small group of people to test it.
Edit: I should have mentioned: please create an account on Mantis and look around. Become familiar with how to use its interface and how to search and view existing reports.
Also worth mention: If you find a bug in Soldat that can be abused, report it with the "private" option enabled. This hides it from other users, except allows Mantis managers and developers to see it. This is very useful because previously the only way to report a sensitive bug/glitch/abuse was to contact one of a few select people privately and directly. Now you have your own way to do it without having to track someone down
edit: beta testers, if you PM/e-mail me I'll get to making your account changes soon, but not immediately.
