A decentralized blockchain oriented framework for automated bug assignment

ABSTRACT Context : In large software projects bug fixing is a time-bound, time-consuming, mind-numbing, and challenging task that requires a collaborative effort with multiple developers, separated geographically. Objective : The objective of this paper is to propose a decentralized automated bug assignment approach to improve the quality of bug assignments to minimize backlogs and overall bug fixing time. Method : To the best of our knowledge, the literature lacks in studies focusing on how to increase software developer's motivation for efficient bug resolution. It is a novel decentralized blockchain oriented, transparent auction-based bug assignment framework which uses incentive mechanism as reward and penalty backed by blockchain technology using smart contracts for developers motivation. The process allows individual developers to select bug reports, matching their preferences and schedule for which they shall we able to provide robust solutions with reduced overhead in cost and time of bug fixing. Results : Results of experimentation and surveys conclude that the proposed method is transparent and effective in bug assignment minimizing overall bug fixing time. The low cost of contract execution demonstrates that it can be used quantitatively and without ambiguity. Conclusion : The work presented is novel to improve (i) bug assignment (ii) allow individual developers to choose what they like to provide robust solutions (iii) handles two major issues of differentiating between active and inactive developers and confusion over the assignment of bugs (iv) will further reduce bug-fixing delays and will prevent reassignment problem.