Dealing with Bugs
*****************

Python is a mature programming language which has established a
reputation for stability.  In order to maintain this reputation, the
developers would like to know of any deficiencies you find in Python.

It can be sometimes faster to fix bugs yourself and contribute patches
to Python as it streamlines the process and involves less people.
Learn how to contribute.


Documentation bugs
==================

If you find a bug in this documentation or would like to propose an
improvement, please submit a bug report on the tracker.  If you have a
suggestion on how to fix it, include that as well.

If you’re short on time, you can also email documentation bug reports
to docs@python.org (behavioral bugs can be sent to python-
list@python.org). ‘docs@’ is a mailing list run by volunteers; your
request will be noticed, though it may take a while to be processed.

See also: Documentation bugs on the Python issue tracker


Using the Python issue tracker
==============================

Bug reports for Python itself should be submitted via the Python Bug
Tracker (https://bugs.python.org/).  The bug tracker offers a Web form
which allows pertinent information to be entered and submitted to the
developers.

The first step in filing a report is to determine whether the problem
has already been reported.  The advantage in doing so, aside from
saving the developers time, is that you learn what has been done to
fix it; it may be that the problem has already been fixed for the next
release, or additional information is needed (in which case you are
welcome to provide it if you can!). To do this, search the bug
database using the search box on the top of the page.

If the problem you’re reporting is not already in the bug tracker, go
back to the Python Bug Tracker and log in.  If you don’t already have
a tracker account, select the “Register” link or, if you use OpenID,
one of the OpenID provider logos in the sidebar.  It is not possible
to submit a bug report anonymously.

Being now logged in, you can submit a bug.  Select the “Create New”
link in the sidebar to open the bug reporting form.

The submission form has a number of fields.  For the “Title” field,
enter a *very* short description of the problem; less than ten words
is good.  In the “Type” field, select the type of your problem; also
select the “Component” and “Versions” to which the bug relates.

In the “Comment” field, describe the problem in detail, including what
you expected to happen and what did happen.  Be sure to include
whether any extension modules were involved, and what hardware and
software platform you were using (including version information as
appropriate).

Each bug report will be assigned to a developer who will determine
what needs to be done to correct the problem.  You will receive an
update each time action is taken on the bug.

See also:

  How to Report Bugs Effectively
     Article which goes into some detail about how to create a useful
     bug report. This describes what kind of information is useful and
     why it is useful.

  Bug Report Writing Guidelines
     Information about writing a good bug report.  Some of this is
     specific to the Mozilla project, but describes general good
     practices.


Getting started contributing to Python yourself
===============================================

Beyond just reporting bugs that you find, you are also welcome to
submit patches to fix them.  You can find more information on how to
get started patching Python in the Python Developer’s Guide.  If you
have questions, the core-mentorship mailing list is a friendly place
to get answers to any and all questions pertaining to the process of
fixing issues in Python.
