reportbug

Generate a bug report about a specific package, then send it by e-mail

$ reportbug [package]

$ reportbug other

$ reportbug [[-o|--output]] [filename] [package]

reportbug [options] package

package
    The name of the package containing the bug to be reported.

--version
    Display version information and exit.

--help
    Display help information and exit.

--quiet
    Run in quiet mode, suppressing most informational messages.

--verbose
    Run in verbose mode, showing more detailed information.

--template
    Show bug report templates.

--url
    Specify the URL for accessing the bug tracking system.

--no-query
    Do not query the bug tracking system for similar bugs.

--method method
    Use method to submit bug reports ('mail', 'mta', 'http').

The reportbug command is a frontend for reporting bugs in Debian and Debian-based Linux distributions like Ubuntu. It automates many tedious steps involved in creating a useful bug report, such as gathering relevant system information, checking for existing reports, and formatting the report for submission to the Debian bug tracking system (BTS). It helps users provide the necessary information to developers, making the debugging process more efficient. reportbug supports multiple report methods (plain mail, using a Mail Transport Agent (MTA), or using a web interface), and interacts with the user to collect details of the bug, like how to reproduce it and the observed behavior.
The command can suggest workarounds or related bugs. Overall, reportbug aims to simplify the bug reporting process for users with varying levels of technical expertise, while ensuring that bug reports are complete and useful for developers.

reportbug relies on properly configured system settings, such as a working MTA (Mail Transfer Agent) or web browser, to function correctly. Some advanced features may require specific packages to be installed. Bug reports are publicly visible.

reportbug reads configuration from ~/.reportbugrc or /etc/reportbug.conf, allowing customization of its behavior, such as the default reporting method and address for sending bug reports. Use "dpkg-reconfigure reportbug" command to configure it.

reportbug exits with a code of 0 on success, and a non-zero code on failure, such as if there is an error connecting to the bug tracking system or if the user cancels the report.

reportbug was developed to simplify the process of reporting bugs in the Debian operating system. Prior to its existence, users often had to manually gather system information and format bug reports, which was time-consuming and prone to errors. reportbug automated this process, improving the quality and consistency of bug reports. Over time, it has been refined and enhanced with new features, such as support for different reporting methods and integration with the Debian bug tracking system. It has become an essential tool for Debian users and developers alike. First version appeared around 1999

debbugs(1), sendmail(8)