ubuntu-bug

View documentation for the original command

$ tldr apport-bug

ubuntu-bug [OPTIONS...] [PROBLEM]

PROBLEM
    Specifies the subject of the bug report. This can be the name of an installed package (e.g., firefox), a process ID (PID) of a running application, or the path to an existing apport problem report file. If omitted, ubuntu-bug attempts to find the most recently crashed application or initiates a general bug report.

--bug-id=BUG_ID
    Specifies an existing Launchpad bug ID to which the collected information should be attached. If not provided, a new bug report will be created.

--attach-file=FILE
    Attaches an additional file (e.g., a screenshot or log file) to the bug report. This option can be specified multiple times to attach several files.

--launchpad-url=URL
    Overrides the default Launchpad URL (e.g., for testing or development instances).

--save=FILE
    Saves the generated problem report to the specified file path instead of uploading it to Launchpad. This allows for review or manual submission.

--private
    Marks the bug report as private on Launchpad, limiting its visibility to the bug reporter and Launchpad administrators. Use this option if the report contains sensitive information.

--no-info
    Prevents the collection of detailed system information (like package versions, kernel logs) which are usually included in bug reports. Use with caution as this may hinder debugging efforts.

--no-ui
    Runs ubuntu-bug in a non-interactive mode without graphical user interface prompts. This is useful for scripting but typically requires a PROBLEM argument or --bug-id to proceed.

--help
    Displays a help message outlining the command's usage and options, then exits.

--version
    Shows the program's version number and exits.

ubuntu-bug is the standard command-line utility for reporting software bugs on Ubuntu systems directly to Launchpad. It automates the process of gathering relevant system information, such as crash logs, package versions, and system configuration, which is crucial for developers to diagnose and fix issues efficiently. When executed, it typically prompts the user for details about the bug and then uploads the collected information to a new or existing bug report on Launchpad. This command simplifies the bug reporting workflow, ensuring that necessary diagnostic data is included, thereby improving the efficiency of the bug resolution process within the Ubuntu ecosystem. It integrates closely with the apport framework to provide detailed crash reports and system state information.

Caveats and Limitations:

1. Internet Connection Required: Submitting bug reports to Launchpad requires an active internet connection.

2. Apport Dependency: ubuntu-bug relies on the apport framework and its associated packages being correctly installed and configured on the Ubuntu system.

3. Potential for User Interaction: While options like --no-ui exist, some complex issues or missing critical information might still prompt for user interaction.

4. Data Privacy Concerns: The command collects extensive system information. Users should be aware of the data being shared and consider using the --private option for sensitive information or reviewing the data before submission.

ubuntu-bug primarily functions interactively, guiding users through the bug reporting process with prompts for details and confirmation. For automated scripts or specific use cases where user interaction is undesirable, the --no-ui option can be used. However, non-interactive use typically requires more specific command-line arguments (like a package name or bug ID) to proceed without user input.

The command collects a wide array of system information, including package versions, hardware details, kernel logs, and potentially sensitive crash data. Users are typically given an opportunity to review this data before submission. The --private option can be used to mark the bug report as private on Launchpad, limiting its visibility to the bug reporter and Launchpad administrators, which is advisable for highly sensitive information.

ubuntu-bug relies heavily on apport, Ubuntu's automated crash reporting and debugging tool. Apport is responsible for detecting software crashes, generating detailed problem reports containing system state and diagnostic information, and providing the underlying data that ubuntu-bug then uploads to Launchpad. This deep integration ensures comprehensive and actionable bug reports.

ubuntu-bug is an integral part of Ubuntu's bug reporting infrastructure, deeply tied to the apport framework. Introduced early in Ubuntu's history, apport aimed to automate and simplify the process of reporting software crashes and bugs, making it easier for users to contribute to the distribution's stability. ubuntu-bug acts as the primary user-facing command-line interface for this system, evolving alongside Ubuntu's development to enhance integration with Launchpad, the project's chosen bug tracking and development platform. Its continuous development reflects Ubuntu's commitment to robust bug reporting and community involvement.

apport-collect(1), apport-bug(1), launchpad(7)