bashbug

bashbug [-V] [-x] [-r] [-n] [email-address]

-V or --version
    Displays the version of bashbug and exits.

-x
    Displays the default email address where Bash bug reports are sent, then exits.

-r
    Redirects the generated bug report to standard output (stdout) instead of attempting to send it via email. Useful for review or saving.

-n
    Suppresses the attempt to send the email, often used in conjunction with -r to preview the report without sending.

email-address
    Specifies an alternative email address to send the bug report to, overriding the compiled-in default destination.

bashbug is a utility distributed with the GNU Bash shell, designed to simplify the process of reporting bugs. It automates the collection of essential system and Bash version information, which is crucial for developers to diagnose issues. The command then formats this data into a structured report, typically preparing it for submission via email to the official Bash bug reporting address. This ensures that bug reports are comprehensive and contain the necessary context, making the reporting process more efficient and effective for both users and maintainers of the shell.

bashbug typically requires a functional email client (like mailx) configured on the system to send reports directly. If an email client is not available or configured, the -r option must be used to print the report to stdout. The generated report includes system information which might be considered sensitive in certain environments.
It is solely for reporting issues with the bash shell itself, not other commands or system components.

The bug report generated by bashbug typically includes the Bash version, system type (e.g., architecture, operating system), current locale settings, and any environment variables or shell options relevant to the bug. It also provides a template for the user to describe the bug, steps to reproduce it, and the expected versus actual behavior.

The primary purpose of bashbug is to streamline the bug reporting process. By automating the collection of essential diagnostic information, it ensures that developers receive consistent and necessary details upfront. This significantly reduces the back-and-forth communication often required for incomplete or ambiguous bug reports, making the debugging process more efficient for the Bash development team.

bashbug has been an integral part of the GNU Bash distribution since its early development. Its inclusion highlights the GNU project's strong emphasis on user feedback and continuous improvement through organized bug reporting. It provides a standardized mechanism for users to contribute directly to the stability and evolution of the shell, by ensuring that crucial version and system environment details are consistently captured, which is vital for effective debugging across diverse user setups.

bash(1), mail(1), mailx(1), man(1)