How to effectively use 'gcloud feedback' (with examples)

The gcloud feedback command is a versatile tool designed for users to communicate directly with the Google Cloud team. By utilizing this command, users can provide valuable feedback based on their experiences with Google Cloud services. This could include suggestions for improvements, reporting issues, or any other insights that could help enhance the Google Cloud offerings. The command can also be complemented by a log file attachment for more detailed feedback.

Use case 1: Provide feedback to the gcloud team

Code:

gcloud feedback

Motivation: Providing feedback to a service team is crucial in maintaining and enhancing the quality of the service. When users encounter bugs, have suggestions for improvements, or simply want to praise a feature they find particularly useful, constructing a direct line of communication with the development or support team can be immensely helpful. This allows the Google Cloud team to prioritize improvements based on user feedback and can result in a more efficient, effective, and user-friendly service. By using this command, users are contributing to the larger ecosystem by sharing their perspectives and experiences.

Explanation: The gcloud feedback command is straightforward and user-friendly, requiring no additional arguments to perform its primary function. When executed, it launches a series of prompts within the terminal where users can conveniently type in their feedback. This free-form messaging system does not have a rigid structure, allowing users to communicate feedback in their own words, which can be more nuanced and detailed.

Example output: When you run the command, you might see:

Please provide your feedback below. Press Ctrl+D when finished:
>

The terminal then awaits input from the user. This can be an extensive or brief description of their feedback about any aspect of the Google Cloud services. Once the user feels satisfied with their input, they can finish by pressing Ctrl+D to submit their feedback.

Use case 2: Provide feedback to the gcloud team and attach a log file

Code:

gcloud feedback --log-file log_file

Motivation: Sometimes feedback requires more context than what might be provided in a textual description alone. Logs are vital in diagnosing issues as they capture detailed execution traces and error codes that a user might not notice or understand. Attaching a log file when providing feedback is especially useful when dealing with technical glitches, bugs, or unexpected behavior of services. This enables the Google Cloud team to have a clearer picture of the issue being reported and helps them reproduce the problem for resolution. Incorporating logs can thus significantly accelerate the troubleshooting and resolution processes, creating a more efficient support ecosystem.

Explanation: The additional argument --log-file log_file serves the purpose of enhancing the feedback. Here is the breakdown:

• --log-file: This option specifies that a file containing logs should be attached to the feedback submission.
• log_file: This is a placeholder for the actual path to the log file the user wishes to submit. Users should replace log_file with their relevant log file path, which contains detailed logs and traces related to the feedback.

Example output: Upon executing the command, you might see a confirmation prompt, such as:

Please provide your feedback below. Press Ctrl+D when finished:
> 
The log file (log_file) has been attached. Thank you for your feedback.

This output indicates that your feedback will be submitted along with the specified log file, reinforcing the description with technical details to aid in diagnosing any issues.

Conclusion:

The gcloud feedback command acts as an important conduit between users and the Google Cloud team, providing a quick and effective way to share feedback. Whether using the basic form or including log files, each approach facilitates the continuous improvement of cloud services in a user-focused manner. By understanding and employing these use cases, users can ensure their insights and experiences contribute valuable input to the Google Cloud development and support processes.