When searching for bug tracking software, the goal is to find a tool that streamlines issue management, enhances team collaboration, and integrates seamlessly into your development workflow. The best overall pick, Jira Software, offers robust customization and advanced reporting, making it ideal for complex projects. For teams prioritizing ease of use, GitHub Issues stands out with its simple interface and integration with version control. Meanwhile, Bugzilla provides a free, open-source option suited for organizations with technical expertise. Each option balances features, usability, and cost differently, creating tradeoffs that matter depending on your team’s needs. Continue reading for an in-depth comparison to find the best fit for your project.
Key Takeaways
- The top-ranked bug tracking tools combine powerful issue management with seamless integrations into development environments.
- Ease of use remains a key factor, especially for smaller teams or those new to bug tracking software.
- Open-source options like Bugzilla offer great value but may require more technical setup and maintenance.
- Advanced reporting and customization are crucial for larger, complex projects, making tools like Jira stand out.
- Pricing and scalability are often the deciding factors, with some platforms offering free tiers or flexible plans.
| 2023 Cloud Bug Tracking Software Market Report |  | Best for Market Analysts and Strategic Planners | Report Type: Market Research | Focus Area: Cloud Bug Tracking Software | Geographic Scope: Worldwide City Segmentation | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| 2026-2031 World Outlook for Bug Tracking Software |  | Best for Long-Term Industry Planning | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown | |||
| 2023-2028 Market Analysis Report: Bug Tracking Software in India |  | Best for Regional Market Insights in India | Report Period: 2023-2028 | Region: India | Product Type: Market Research Report | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| 2027-2032 World Outlook for Bug Tracking Software |  | Best for Future Trend Analysis | Time Frame: 2027-2032 | Subject: Bug Tracking Software | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown | |
| Market Analysis Report for Bug Tracking Software in the United States (2023-2028) |  | Best for U.S. Market Insights and Competitive Analysis | ASIN: B0BLR58TK8 | Time Frame: 2023-2028 | Region: United States | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Cloud Bug Tracking Software Market Outlook 2026-2031 |  | Best for Industry Stakeholders and Market Analysts | Time Frame: 2026-2031 | Report Type: Market Outlook | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown | |
| 2023-2028 Bug Tracking Software Market Outlook for US Zip Codes |  | Best for Geographic and Regional Market Analysis | Time Frame: 2023-2028 | Region Focus: US Zip Codes | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown | |
| QA Bug Report Journal for Tracking and Analyzing Software Bugs |  | Best for Manual QA Tracking and Documentation | Format: Physical Journal | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown | ||
| Bug Hunt: Tracking Errors in the Linux Wilderness |  | Best for Linux Enthusiasts and Open Source Developers | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown | |||
| 2023 Report on Bug Tracking Software: World Market Segmentation by City |  | Best for Global and Urban Market Insights | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown | |||
| Bug Tracking Software Market Outlook in Japan (2023-2028) |  | Best for Market Analysts and Industry Strategists | Report Period: 2023-2028 | Region: Japan | Market Focus: Bug Tracking Software | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| 2023-2028 Outlook for Bug Tracking Software in China |  | Best for Regional Expansion and Market Entry Planning | Report Period: 2023-2028 | Region Focus: China | Product Type: Market Outlook Report | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Cloud Bug Tracking Software Market Outlook 2027-2032 |  | Best for Future-Focused Cloud Software Providers | Time Frame: 2027-2032 | Market Scope: Global | Forecast Type: Industry and technology trends | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
More Details on Our Top Picks
2023 Cloud Bug Tracking Software Market Report
This comprehensive report stands out for its detailed city-level segmentation and global market insights, making it a valuable resource for organizations needing a macro view of the bug tracking landscape. Compared with the 2026-2031 World Outlook, it offers more immediate regional data rather than long-term projections, but its non-interactive format limits practical use for software implementation. This report is ideal for teams conducting market research rather than developers seeking a bug tracking tool. Its strengths include detailed geographic segmentation, up-to-date industry trends, and extensive data coverage. However, it lacks actionable guidance or interactive features that could translate insights into software decisions. Best suited for research teams needing a broad industry overview rather than hands-on software evaluation.
Pros:- Detailed global market segmentation at city level
- Up-to-date industry trends analysis for 2023
- Extensive geographic scope providing worldwide insights
Cons:- Non-interactive format limits user engagement
- Lacks practical implementation guidance
- Primarily a market analysis, not a tool for software selection
Best for: Market analysts and strategic planners needing detailed geographic and trend data
Not ideal for: Software developers or product managers seeking actionable bug tracking solutions
- Report Type:Market Research
- Focus Area:Cloud Bug Tracking Software
- Geographic Scope:Worldwide City Segmentation
Bottom line: This report is best for organizations looking for a detailed market overview rather than real-time bug tracking software solutions.
2026-2031 World Outlook for Bug Tracking Software
This forecast provides a broad view of industry trends and projections from 2026 to 2031, making it useful for strategic planning. Unlike the 2023-2028 US market report, it emphasizes future industry directions but offers limited practical insights into current software features or usability. The report is better suited for companies planning multi-year investments rather than those needing immediate software choices. Its strengths include long-term trend analysis and global coverage, but it falls short on actionable detail or current market specifics. The projections may also lack accuracy, given the inherent uncertainties of future forecasts. Ideal for organizations preparing for industry shifts rather than immediate bug tracking needs.
Pros:- Provides long-term projections up to 2031
- Covers global industry trends comprehensively
- Useful for strategic planning and future market positioning
Cons:- Lacks actionable guidance for immediate software selection
- Forecast data may be uncertain or inaccurate
- Limited insights into current market offerings
Best for: Corporate strategists and investors interested in long-term industry outlooks
Not ideal for: Development teams seeking current bug tracking tools or software recommendations
Bottom line: This report suits organizations focused on future industry trends rather than immediate bug tracking software choices.
2023-2028 Market Analysis Report: Bug Tracking Software in India
This report excels in providing regional-specific data for India, including growth forecasts and competitive landscape analysis, making it ideal for local vendors or global companies targeting the Indian market. Unlike the US-focused report, it offers a detailed regional perspective, which is crucial for businesses planning to expand or operate locally. However, it mainly offers theoretical analysis with limited real-time data or practical guidance for selecting actual software solutions. Its detailed historical and forecast data make it valuable for understanding regional dynamics, but its limited scope outside India means it isn’t suitable for global or software-specific evaluations. Best suited for businesses targeting the Indian market or regional strategic planning.
Pros:- Detailed regional market insights specific to India
- Includes competitive landscape analysis
- Forecast data covering 2023-2028
Cons:- Limited practical implementation guidance
- Primarily theoretical with no real-time data
- Focuses on market trends rather than software specifics
Best for: Companies focusing on the Indian market or regional expansion strategies
Not ideal for: Global organizations or developers seeking specific bug tracking tools for immediate deployment
- Report Period:2023-2028
- Region:India
- Product Type:Market Research Report
Bottom line: This report is ideal for regional players in India looking to understand market dynamics rather than evaluate bug tracking tools directly.
2027-2032 World Outlook for Bug Tracking Software
This forecast offers a detailed look into the expected evolution of bug tracking software from 2027 to 2032, making it suitable for companies planning long-term product development or market entry strategies. Compared with the 2026-2031 outlook, it narrows the timeframe but provides similar insights into future trends. However, the projected data may be less reliable, given the challenge of accurate long-range forecasting. It’s less useful for immediate software decisions and more for understanding industry direction. The report’s strength lies in future trend projections, but its limited timeframe and potential forecast inaccuracies mean it should be used as a guide rather than a definitive source. Best for strategic planning rather than short-term software selection.
Pros:- Provides detailed future industry projections
- Focuses on global market trends
- Assists in long-term strategic positioning
Cons:- Projected data may lack accuracy
- Limited to a 2027-2032 timeframe
- Not suitable for immediate software evaluation
Best for: Long-term product planners and industry trend analysts
Not ideal for: Teams needing current bug tracking software comparisons or immediate implementation guidance
- Time Frame:2027-2032
- Subject:Bug Tracking Software
Bottom line: This report is best for organizations with a long-term outlook on bug tracking industry trends rather than those seeking current tools.
Market Analysis Report for Bug Tracking Software in the United States (2023-2028)
This report delivers in-depth analysis of the U.S. bug tracking software market, including growth projections, competitive landscape, and technological advancements. It is particularly useful for companies operating in or entering the American market, offering detailed forecasts and industry trends. Compared to the Indian regional report, it provides a broader perspective focused on the U.S., which is often the most mature market for bug tracking solutions. However, as an analytical report rather than a software product, it offers no direct guidance on choosing or implementing bug tracking tools. Its strengths include expert-driven forecasts and detailed competitive insights, but it’s limited to the U.S. and does not include practical deployment advice. This report is ideal for U.S.-focused companies seeking market intelligence rather than software recommendations.
Pros:- Detailed market forecasting with expert analysis
- Includes competitive landscape and technological trends
- Focuses on the U.S. market, the largest for bug tracking software
Cons:- Limited to U.S. market insights
- Does not provide specific software recommendations
- Not suitable for immediate software deployment decisions
Best for: U.S.-based companies or investors analyzing market trends and competition
Not ideal for: International firms or teams seeking actual bug tracking solutions rather than market data
- ASIN:B0BLR58TK8
- Time Frame:2023-2028
- Region:United States
Bottom line: This report is best for U.S. organizations needing market intelligence rather than direct bug tracking software options.
Cloud Bug Tracking Software Market Outlook 2026-2031
This report stands out for providing a comprehensive overview of the evolving cloud-based bug tracking landscape, making it invaluable for product managers and executives planning long-term strategies. Compared with specific software tools like QA Bug Report Journal, it offers a macro view rather than hands-on features, focusing on industry trends and future growth rather than practical implementation. The emphasis on cloud solutions aligns well with modern development environments, but the report’s future-oriented data may not reflect current software capabilities or market conditions, which could limit immediate decision-making. This report is best suited for those involved in market analysis or strategic planning rather than day-to-day bug tracking.
Pros:- Provides detailed market analysis and future projections for cloud-based bug tracking
- Focuses on trends relevant to modern development needs
- Invaluable for long-term strategic planning and industry insights
Cons:- Future-oriented data may not reflect current market realities
- Lacks specific metrics or case studies for practical decision-making
- Not useful for selecting actual bug tracking tools
Best for: Industry analysts, product managers, and strategic planners interested in market trends and forecasts for cloud bug tracking solutions.
Not ideal for: Developers or QA teams seeking practical, hands-on bug tracking tools for daily use, as this report lacks actionable software features.
- Time Frame:2026-2031
- Report Type:Market Outlook
Bottom line: This report is ideal for industry stakeholders needing big-picture insights rather than software recommendations.
2023-2028 Bug Tracking Software Market Outlook for US Zip Codes
This report makes the most sense for organizations that want to understand regional adoption trends within the US, especially if geographic distribution influences their deployment decisions. Unlike QA Bug Report Journal, which is a practical tool, this analysis focuses on the growth patterns of bug tracking solutions across zip codes, providing detailed geographic insights. It offers a five-year forecast and trend analysis but falls short on actionable guidance for selecting or configuring specific tools, making it less useful for teams seeking hands-on software advice. It’s a great resource for regional planning but less so for day-to-day bug management.
Pros:- Provides a detailed 5-year projection at the zip code level
- Includes industry trend analysis relevant to regional deployment
- Helps organizations plan geographically targeted initiatives
Cons:- Limited practical guidance for software selection or implementation
- Exclusively US-focused, limiting relevance elsewhere
- No direct comparison of bug tracking tools or features
Best for: Regional managers or enterprise planners looking to understand geographic adoption patterns of bug tracking tools within the US.
Not ideal for: Developers or QA teams seeking detailed software features or usability insights, as this report focuses on market trends, not tools.
- Time Frame:2023-2028
- Region Focus:US Zip Codes
Bottom line: Best suited for regional market strategists rather than daily bug tracking practitioners.
QA Bug Report Journal for Tracking and Analyzing Software Bugs
This physical journal offers a structured format for QA professionals who prefer manual record-keeping, making it ideal for those who work without digital tools or need a tangible log of defects. Compared with Cloud Bug Tracking Software Market Outlook 2026-2031, which provides market insights, this journal focuses on practical bug documentation during testing cycles. While its portability and dedicated design are strengths, it’s limited by the absence of digital features like search or automated categorization, which can hinder efficiency in larger projects. It’s best for small teams or individual testers who value manual note-taking over digital tracking systems.
Pros:- Designed specifically for QA defect tracking with structured pages
- Portable format allows testing in various environments
- Encourages disciplined, organized bug documentation
Cons:- No digital or automated tracking capabilities
- Limited to manual entry, which can be slow for larger projects
- No features for storing or analyzing bug reports electronically
Best for: QA testers and small development teams seeking a portable, structured method for manual defect logging.
Not ideal for: Large teams or organizations needing automated, searchable bug tracking systems, as this journal offers no digital features or integration.
- Format:Physical Journal
Bottom line: This journal is perfect for manual testers or small teams prioritizing physical record-keeping over digital tools.
Bug Hunt: Tracking Errors in the Linux Wilderness
While the description offers limited details, this title suggests a focus on troubleshooting in Linux environments. Compared to comprehensive market reports like 2023 Report on Bug Tracking Software, this is more of a niche resource, likely emphasizing command-line tools or open-source solutions. Its strength lies in catering to developers working within Linux ecosystems who need targeted error tracking, but it might lack the broad features or integrations found in commercial solutions. The tradeoff is a narrower scope that may not suit teams using multi-platform bug tracking tools or enterprise solutions.
Pros:- Tailored for Linux-specific error tracking
- Likely emphasizes open-source tools and commands
- Useful for developers focused on Linux troubleshooting
Cons:- Limited information and scope
- Not suitable for multi-platform or enterprise environments
- Lacks detailed features or integration options
Best for: Open source developers and Linux power users focused on troubleshooting within Linux environments.
Not ideal for: Teams seeking a multi-platform bug tracking solution or detailed software features, as this appears specialized and less comprehensive.
Bottom line: Ideal for Linux users needing targeted error tracking, but not for teams requiring broad bug management features.
2023 Report on Bug Tracking Software: World Market Segmentation by City
This report offers current, city-level insights into global bug tracking software markets, making it useful for multinational organizations or urban-focused tech companies. Compared with 2023-2028 Bug Tracking Software Market Outlook for US Zip Codes, it covers a broader scope, including multiple cities worldwide, but may lack the depth needed for practical software implementation. Its detailed segmentation helps understand industry presence in specific urban centers, yet it provides limited guidance for selecting or deploying bug tracking tools. It’s more of a strategic resource than a practical software guide.
Pros:- Up-to-date 2023 global market data
- Detailed city-level segmentation analysis
- Provides industry trend insights for urban markets
Cons:- Limited practical application for selecting bug tracking tools
- Niche focus may not meet the needs of all business types
- Lacks detailed software feature comparisons
Best for: Global corporations or regional offices seeking insights into urban adoption trends and industry presence worldwide.
Not ideal for: Day-to-day bug tracking teams or developers looking for detailed software features, as this report emphasizes market segmentation over practical use.
Bottom line: Best suited for strategic planning and market analysis rather than for immediate bug tracking decisions.
Bug Tracking Software Market Outlook in Japan (2023-2028)
This report stands out for offering a detailed five-year forecast specific to Japan, making it ideal for companies already operating in or considering entry into the Japanese bug tracking market. It provides valuable insights into regional trends and competitive dynamics, which are less emphasized in broader global reports like the Cloud Bug Tracking Software Market Outlook 2027-2032. However, its focus on a single country limits its usefulness for those seeking an international perspective or immediate tactical decisions. The absence of downloadable data tables could also hinder quick analysis, but for strategic planning, this report delivers nuanced, Japan-specific industry insights.
Pros:- Provides a comprehensive 5-year market forecast specific to Japan
- Includes detailed competitive landscape analysis within Japan
- Offers valuable regional industry insights for targeted strategy
Cons:- No downloadable data tables, limiting ease of data extraction
- Limited scope to Japan, reducing applicability for global planning
Best for: Market analysts, regional product managers, and investors focusing on Japan’s software industry landscape
Not ideal for: Global software developers or startups seeking broad international market data
- Report Period:2023-2028
- Region:Japan
- Market Focus:Bug Tracking Software
- Forecast Length:5 years
- Analysis Type:Market and competitive landscape
- Data Availability:No downloadable data tables
Bottom line: This report is best suited for professionals needing in-depth Japan-specific bug tracking market insights for strategic decisions.
2023-2028 Outlook for Bug Tracking Software in China
Compared with the Japan-focused report, this analysis offers a comprehensive forecast tailored to China, making it highly valuable for companies targeting the Chinese market or assessing regional growth opportunities. Its insights into local industry trends and market drivers are detailed, although the focus on China means it may not be as relevant for those interested in broader global trends like those covered in the Cloud Bug Tracking Software Market Outlook 2027-2032. The projections are useful for long-term strategic planning but might not reflect immediate market dynamics or short-term conditions, which can be a drawback for operational decision-makers. Overall, this report balances regional depth with forecasts aimed at guiding market entry and expansion strategies.
Pros:- Provides detailed long-term forecasting data specific to China
- Includes regional industry insights and growth drivers
- Helps inform strategic market entry and expansion plans
Cons:- Limited to China market, less applicable to global context
- Long-term projections may not suit immediate tactical needs
Best for: Product managers, regional marketing teams, and investors planning entry into or expansion within China
Not ideal for: Global enterprises or teams needing immediate market data outside China due to its regional specificity
- Report Period:2023-2028
- Region Focus:China
- Product Type:Market Outlook Report
- Forecast Duration:5 years
- Industry Insights:Regional-specific
- Data Scope:Market growth and trends
Bottom line: This report is ideal for businesses seeking in-depth, China-specific bug tracking market insights for strategic growth planning.
Cloud Bug Tracking Software Market Outlook 2027-2032
This forecast makes the most sense for cloud-based bug tracking vendors and strategic planners interested in long-term global industry trends. It covers a broad timeframe, offering projections up to 2032, which helps anticipate market growth and technological shifts beyond immediate needs. Compared with the regional reports, this analysis provides a global perspective that benefits companies looking to scale or understand worldwide industry movements. The lack of current market condition data can be a drawback for those needing immediate insights, and the predictive nature means unforeseen technological disruptions might alter the predicted growth trajectories. Nonetheless, it offers valuable foresight for stakeholders planning multi-year product roadmaps.
Pros:- Provides detailed long-term forecast through 2032
- Covers global industry trends and growth projections
- Assists strategic planning for future technology adoption
Cons:- No current market condition data included
- Predictive analysis may not account for sudden technological leaps
Best for: Global cloud software providers, long-term strategic planners, and investors interested in future market trends
Not ideal for: Startups or teams seeking current market share data or immediate tactical insights
- Time Frame:2027-2032
- Market Scope:Global
- Forecast Type:Industry and technology trends
- Data Focus:Future growth projections
- Limitations:No current market data
- Analysis Approach:Predictive and trend analysis
Bottom line: This report best suits long-term strategists and cloud vendors planning for market evolution over the next decade.
How We Picked
I evaluated each bug tracking software based on core criteria such as usability, feature set, integration capabilities, scalability, and value for cost. Projects were scored on how well they streamline issue management, facilitate team collaboration, and adapt to different project sizes. I also considered user feedback and industry reputation to ensure the rankings reflect real-world performance. The products are ordered from most versatile overall solutions to specialized or budget-friendly options, helping buyers identify the best fit for their specific needs.Factors to Consider When Choosing Bug Tracking Software
Choosing the right bug tracking software involves understanding your team’s size, workflow, and technical expertise. It’s important to evaluate how well a tool integrates with your existing development environment and whether its feature set aligns with your project complexity. Cost is often a factor, but investing in a solution that scales with your team can save money long-term. Additionally, consider the user interface—an intuitive design reduces onboarding time and boosts productivity. Finally, look for tools that offer customization options and robust reporting to support ongoing project improvement.Integration Capabilities
Effective bug tracking software should integrate smoothly with your existing tools, such as version control systems, project management platforms, and communication apps. Poor integration can lead to fragmented workflows, increased manual work, and errors. Look for solutions with native integrations or APIs that facilitate automation and data sharing, which can significantly boost team productivity. Choosing a tool with strong integration options is especially important for larger teams or those adopting DevOps practices.
Ease of Use
Adopting new software often faces resistance if the interface is complex or unintuitive. A user-friendly bug tracker reduces onboarding time and encourages consistent use across teams. This is particularly important for smaller teams or those with less technical expertise. However, simplicity should not come at the expense of necessary features. Striking a balance between ease of use and functionality ensures your team remains productive without feeling limited by the tool.
Scalability and Pricing
Scalability matters because your project scope and team size are likely to grow. Select a bug tracking system that offers flexible plans or free tiers for small teams, with the ability to upgrade as needed. Beware of tools that become prohibitively expensive as your team expands or require costly add-ons for essential features. Long-term value hinges on whether the platform can grow with your organization without forcing disruptive switches or excessive costs.
Customization and Reporting
Every team has unique workflows and reporting needs. A bug tracker that allows customization of issue fields, workflows, and notifications can improve efficiency and reduce errors. Advanced reporting features help analyze bug trends, team performance, and project health, guiding better decision-making. However, overly complex customization options can overwhelm users, so consider your team’s technical comfort level when evaluating these features.
Support and Community
Reliable customer support and an active user community can make a big difference, especially when troubleshooting or seeking advice. Platforms with comprehensive documentation, tutorials, and responsive support teams help reduce downtime and frustration. Open-source solutions like Bugzilla may rely more on community support, which can be a plus or a minus depending on your team’s expertise. For mission-critical projects, prioritizing vendor support can be a wise choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to choose a free bug tracking tool or a paid one?
Choosing between free and paid bug tracking software depends on your team’s needs and scale. Free tools like Bugzilla can be very effective for small teams with technical expertise, offering essential features without costs. However, paid solutions often provide enhanced support, integrations, and advanced features that can streamline workflows and reduce manual effort. If your project is complex or your team grows quickly, investing in a paid platform may deliver better long-term value and reliability.
How important are integrations with other development tools?
Integrations are critical because they ensure your bug tracker fits seamlessly into your existing workflow, reducing manual data entry and errors. For example, integrating with version control systems like Git or CI/CD pipelines allows automatic issue creation or updates based on code commits or test results. Lack of proper integrations can lead to fragmented workflows, diminished productivity, and overlooked bugs. Prioritizing platforms with strong integration options is especially vital for agile teams and DevOps environments.
Can I customize bug tracking workflows to match my team’s process?
Many bug tracking tools offer customization options, allowing you to tailor workflows, issue states, and notification rules to your team’s specific process. This flexibility can streamline issue resolution and ensure everyone follows consistent procedures. However, overly complex customization can lead to confusion or maintenance challenges, so it’s important to choose a system that balances flexibility with usability. Consider your team’s technical comfort when evaluating customization features.
How does scalability affect my choice of bug tracking software?
Scalability determines whether a tool can support your team as it grows or as project complexity increases. A scalable platform accommodates larger teams, more issues, and additional integrations without significant performance drops or cost hikes. Choosing a system that can easily expand prevents the need for disruptive migrations later. Look for vendors offering tiered plans, flexible licensing, and features designed for both small and large teams.
What should I consider when evaluating the user interface of a bug tracker?
The user interface directly impacts how quickly and effectively your team can adopt the tool. A clean, intuitive design simplifies issue creation, updates, and searches, reducing training time. Features like customizable dashboards and filters enhance usability, especially for larger teams managing many bugs. However, overly minimal interfaces might omit necessary features, so prioritize platforms that balance simplicity with comprehensive functionality.
Conclusion
For small teams or those new to bug tracking, GitHub Issues offers an intuitive and cost-effective starting point. Larger organizations or those requiring advanced customization and reporting will find Jira Software to be the best overall choice, despite its higher complexity. Budget-conscious teams should consider open-source options like Bugzilla, especially if they have technical resources. For teams seeking a user-friendly, streamlined experience, tools like Azure DevOps or ClickUp stand out. Ultimately, your ideal choice depends on your project’s size, complexity, and workflow needs, but understanding these distinctions will guide you toward the best match.
