cupstestppd

Test the conformance of one or more files in quiet mode

$ cupstestppd -q [path/to/file1.ppd path/to/file2.ppd ...]

$ cupstestppd -v - < [path/to/file.ppd]

$ find . -name \*.ppd \! -execdir cupstestppd -q '{}' \; -print

cupstestppd [ -r ] [ -v ] filename.ppd [ ... filename.ppd ]

filename.ppd
    Specifies one or more PPD files that cupstestppd should analyze and validate. You can list multiple files, separated by spaces.

-r
    Enables relaxed mode. In this mode, cupstestppd will ignore certain non-critical errors or warnings that might otherwise be reported. This can be useful for PPDs that are slightly non-standard but known to function correctly.

-v
    Enables verbose mode. When this option is used, cupstestppd provides more detailed output, including additional warnings that might be ignored in standard operation. This is helpful for in-depth debugging and understanding all potential issues.

cupstestppd is a crucial utility provided with CUPS (Common Unix Printing System) that thoroughly checks the syntax and semantics of PostScript Printer Description (PPD) files. PPD files are essential as they describe the capabilities, features, and options of a PostScript printer. This command ensures that PPD files adhere to the Adobe PostScript Printer Description File Format Specification and CUPS-specific requirements.

It identifies and reports various warnings and errors that could lead to printing failures, incorrect option handling, or even security vulnerabilities. As such, cupstestppd is an indispensable tool for printer driver developers and system administrators seeking to diagnose or prevent printing issues related to malformed or non-compliant PPD files.

While cupstestppd performs extensive checks on PPD syntax and common semantic issues, it cannot guarantee a PPD file will work perfectly with all applications or printer firmware. Some reported warnings might be benign depending on the specific printer model or driver implementation.

The utility is primarily designed for PostScript printers, as PPDs inherently describe PostScript features. While PPDs can be used for configuration with non-PostScript devices via CUPS filters, the core validation focuses on PostScript compliance.

The return (exit) code of cupstestppd is significant for scripting and automated environments:

• 0: Indicates that no errors or warnings were found, meaning the PPD file is considered valid and compliant.
• 1: Indicates that errors were found in the PPD file, suggesting a problem that needs to be addressed.
• Greater than 1: Signifies other operational issues, such as the specified PPD file not being found or an internal error during processing.

This utility is absolutely crucial for developers of printer drivers to ensure their PPD files are valid and will integrate seamlessly with CUPS. For system administrators, it's an invaluable first step when troubleshooting printing problems suspected to be related to PPD files. It helps in diagnosing common issues like missing options, incorrect value ranges, invalid constraints, or non-compliance with specifications, which can lead to unexpected print output or complete job failures.

cupstestppd is an integral component of the CUPS project, which was originally developed by Easy Software Products and later acquired and maintained by Apple Inc. It has consistently served as a vital tool for ensuring the quality and compliance of PPD files within the CUPS printing ecosystem, adapting as PPD specifications and CUPS's own requirements have evolved over time. Its inclusion highlights CUPS's commitment to robust and standards-compliant printing solutions.

cupsd(8), lpadmin(8), ppd(5), cups-files.conf(5), printers.conf(5)