bugid

Bugid, or bug ID, is a unique identifier assigned to a reported defect, task, or request within a project’s bug-tracking or issue-tracking system. The bug ID serves as a stable reference that collaborators can search for, discuss, and link to in status updates, documentation, and code changes. In most systems, bug IDs are numeric but can also be alphanumeric or include project prefixes (for example, Bugzilla uses 12345, Jira uses PROJ-123, and GitHub uses a numeric issue number). The exact format is determined by the tracker and project configuration.

Bug IDs are usually created automatically when a new issue is submitted, ensuring uniqueness within the tracker. Depending on the system, IDs may be globally unique or scoped per project. They are used to triage, assign, monitor, and report on issues, and are often included in commits, pull requests, and release notes to indicate what changes address which bugs.

Common practices include referencing bug IDs in communications, linking issues to code changes, and exporting them in reports. Cross-tracker or cross-project mapping may be needed when work items move between systems or when an organization uses multiple trackers. While the concept is universal, its exact semantics—such as generation method, scope, and persistence—depend on the tools and workflows in use.

Historically, bug-tracking systems popularized persistent identifiers for defects, with Bugzilla as an early example. Modern systems like Jira and GitHub continue the convention, focusing on consistent referencing and traceability.