Jira

Jira is the issue tracker that every enterprise uses. The workflow engine, custom fields, JQL query language, and integration ecosystem make it the default choice for teams that need more than a Kanban board in GitHub.

The bloat is real. Jira can be over-configured into a project management nightmare — mandatory fields, approval workflows, and dashboard widgets that serve managers more than engineers. Used with discipline — simple workflows, minimal custom fields, Kanban boards with WIP limits — it's an effective tool. The key is resisting the urge to configure everything Jira lets you configure.