How to use the command 'apport-bug' (with examples)

The ‘apport-bug’ command is used to report bugs on Ubuntu. It provides a convenient way to file bug reports, which includes necessary details about the system, package, executable, or process.

Use case 1: Report a bug about the whole system

Code:

apport-bug

Motivation: This use case is helpful when encountering a bug that affects the entire system and you don’t know the specific package, executable, or process causing it. Filing a bug report about the whole system allows developers and maintainers to investigate and fix the issue.

Explanation: The command ‘apport-bug’ without any arguments opens a graphical interface that prompts the user to provide information about the bug, such as steps to reproduce it and additional details. It automatically collects system information and attaches it to the bug report.

Example output: A bug report form will be opened in the default web browser, displaying fields to enter relevant information about the bug.

Use case 2: Report a bug about a specific package

Code:

apport-bug package

Motivation: If you encounter a bug related to a specific package in Ubuntu, using the ‘apport-bug’ command with the package argument allows you to file a detailed bug report. This helps package maintainers and developers to quickly identify and solve package-specific issues.

Explanation: The command ‘apport-bug’ followed by the package name opens a bug report form specific to the package. It collects relevant information about the package, system, and attached logs to help diagnose the problem.

Example output: A package-specific bug report form will be opened in the default web browser, displaying fields to enter information related to the package bug.

Use case 3: Report a bug about a specific executable

Code:

apport-bug path/to/executable

Motivation: If you encounter a bug related to a specific executable in Ubuntu, using the ‘apport-bug’ command with the executable’s path allows you to file a bug report with precise information about the issue. This can aid developers in reproducing and resolving the problem efficiently.

Explanation: The command ‘apport-bug’ followed by the path to the executable opens a bug report form specific to the executable. It retrieves relevant information about the executable, system, logs, and attachments, offering a comprehensive overview of the issue.

Example output: A bug report form focusing on the specific executable will be opened in the default web browser, displaying fields to provide details about the bug.

Use case 4: Report a bug about a specific process

Code:

apport-bug PID

Motivation: When encountering a bug related to a specific process in Ubuntu, filing a bug report about that process can provide valuable information to developers. This use case allows you to report the bug directly for the process causing the issue.

Explanation: The command ‘apport-bug’ followed by the Process ID (PID) opens a bug report form specific to the process. It captures information about the process, system, logs, and additional attachments to help in diagnosing and fixing the bug.

Example output: A bug report form tailored to the specific process will be opened in the default web browser, displaying fields to enter details about the bug.

Conclusion:

The ‘apport-bug’ command is a versatile tool for reporting bugs on Ubuntu. Whether you encounter a bug affecting the whole system, a specific package, executable, or process, this command simplifies the process of filing a detailed bug report. By providing the necessary context and information, this command contributes to the Ubuntu community’s effort to identify and fix various issues efficiently.