Bug: Sample Numbers Missing In DNA Search Excel Export

Nov 26, 2025 by Alex Johnson 55 views

Introduction

In this article, we will be diving into a critical bug identified in the DNA Search functionality, specifically concerning the Excel export feature. The issue at hand is the absence of sample numbers in the exported Excel file, which can significantly impact data analysis and reporting workflows. We will explore the context of this bug, its description, steps to reproduce it, and its potential implications. Understanding and addressing such bugs is crucial for maintaining the integrity and reliability of any data-driven system. So, let's delve into the details and see how this issue affects the user experience and data management processes.

Context

Currently, there is no additional context provided regarding the environment or specific use case where this bug was encountered. This lack of context makes it challenging to fully grasp the impact of the issue. However, it's clear that this bug was discovered within the DNA Search functionality, indicating its relevance to genetic research, analysis, or related fields. The absence of context highlights the importance of providing detailed information when reporting bugs, as it helps developers understand the scope and urgency of the problem. By understanding the context, developers can better prioritize and address the issue, ensuring that the fix aligns with the user's needs and the overall system functionality. Therefore, when reporting bugs, it is always beneficial to include information about the environment, specific use case, and any relevant configurations or settings.

Bug Description

The core of the problem lies in the DNA Search results export feature. When a user performs a DNA Search and attempts to export the results to an Excel file, the Sample Number column is unexpectedly blank. This means that while other data fields may be correctly populated, the critical sample identification numbers are missing, rendering the exported data incomplete and less useful. This issue specifically affects the Excel export functionality, as indicated by the attached Excel file (DPAA_Enoura Maru_DNA_Search_13_2025-10-20_13-29-50.xlsx). The bug reporter notes that this issue does not occur when generating a Mito Seq Report, suggesting that the problem is specific to the DNA Search export process. This distinction is crucial for developers as it narrows down the potential areas of the codebase where the bug might reside. Understanding the specific conditions under which the bug occurs helps in targeted debugging and efficient resolution, ensuring that the fix addresses the root cause without introducing unintended side effects.

Steps to Reproduce

To effectively address a bug, it's essential to have clear and concise steps to reproduce it. This bug can be reproduced by following these steps:

Navigate to the Enoura Maru Project. This indicates that the bug is specific to or easily reproducible within this project, which could be a particular dataset or a specific configuration within the system.
Access the DNA Search functionality. This is the main feature where the bug manifests, highlighting the area of the system that requires attention.
Enter 13 as the Mito Seq Number. This specific input parameter is crucial for triggering the bug, suggesting that there might be a problem with how the system handles this particular value or a range of values around it.
Initiate an Excel export. This action finalizes the process and reveals the bug, as the exported file will have missing sample numbers. By following these steps, developers and testers can consistently replicate the issue, making it easier to diagnose and fix. The clarity of these steps ensures that anyone can verify the bug and confirm the effectiveness of the implemented solution.

Impact and Implications

The absence of sample numbers in the Excel export can have significant implications for users who rely on this data for analysis and reporting. Sample numbers are crucial identifiers that link data points to specific samples, and without them, it becomes challenging to track and interpret the results accurately. This can lead to errors in analysis, misinterpretation of data, and potentially flawed conclusions. For researchers, this could mean spending additional time manually matching data with samples, which is inefficient and prone to human error. In critical applications, such as forensic analysis or medical research, the missing sample numbers could even compromise the validity of the results. Therefore, resolving this bug is essential to ensure data integrity, maintain user trust, and support reliable decision-making based on the exported data. The impact extends beyond individual users to the overall credibility and usability of the system.

Device, OS, and Browser

The bug report lacks information about the device, operating system (OS), and browser used when the bug was encountered. This missing information can make it more challenging to diagnose the issue, as it could be specific to a particular environment or configuration. For instance, a bug might only occur on a specific browser version or operating system. Including this information in the bug report would help developers narrow down the potential causes and replicate the issue more effectively. When reporting bugs, it's always beneficial to provide details about the environment, such as the device, OS, browser, and any relevant software versions. This ensures that developers have a comprehensive understanding of the context in which the bug occurs, leading to faster and more accurate resolution.

Before Submitting Checklist

The bug report includes a checklist that confirms the reporter has followed the bug reporting guidelines and attached relevant links. This is a good practice as it ensures that the bug report is complete and well-prepared, making it easier for developers to understand and address the issue. The checklist includes confirmation that the reporter has read and followed the bug reporting guidelines and has attached links to documentation, related issues, and discussions. By using such a checklist, the bug reporting process becomes more structured and efficient, reducing the chances of missing important information. This ultimately contributes to a more streamlined bug resolution process and improves the overall quality of the software.

Conclusion

The bug report highlights a critical issue in the DNA Search functionality where sample numbers are missing in the exported Excel file. This bug can significantly impact data analysis and reporting workflows, making it essential to address it promptly. The clear steps to reproduce the bug, along with the provided context, will aid developers in diagnosing and resolving the issue. The missing information about the device, OS, and browser underscores the importance of providing comprehensive details when reporting bugs. By following bug reporting guidelines and including relevant information, users can contribute to the overall quality and reliability of the system. Addressing this bug will ensure data integrity, maintain user trust, and support informed decision-making based on the exported data.

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