Dealing with Bugs

Python is a mature programming language which has established a reputation for stability. In order to maintain this reputation, the developers would like to know of any deficiencies you find in Python.

It can be sometimes faster to fix bugs yourself and contribute patches to Python as it streamlines the process and involves less people. Learn how to contribute.

Documentation bugs

If you find a bug in this documentation or would like to propose an improvement, please submit a bug report on the tracker. If you have a suggestion on how to fix it, include that as well.

If you’re short on time, you can also email documentation bug reports to docs@python.org (behavioral bugs can be sent to python-list@python.org). ‘docs@’ is a mailing list run by volunteers; your request will be noticed, though it may take a while to be processed.

See also

Documentation bugs on the Python issue tracker

Using the Python issue tracker

Bug reports for Python itself should be submitted via the Python Bug Tracker (https://bugs.python.org/). The bug tracker offers a Web form which allows pertinent information to be entered and submitted to the developers.

The first step in filing a report is to determine whether the problem has already been reported. The advantage in doing so, aside from saving the developers time, is that you learn what has been done to fix it; it may be that the problem has already been fixed for the next release, or additional information is needed (in which case you are welcome to provide it if you can!). To do this, search the bug database using the search box on the top of the page.

If the problem you’re reporting is not already in the bug tracker, go back to the Python Bug Tracker and log in. If you don’t already have a tracker account, select the “Register” link or, if you use OpenID, one of the OpenID provider logos in the sidebar. It is not possible to submit a bug report anonymously.

Being now logged in, you can submit a bug. Select the “Create New” link in the sidebar to open the bug reporting form.

The submission form has a number of fields. For the “Title” field, enter a very short description of the problem; less than ten words is good. In the “Type” field, select the type of your problem; also select the “Component” and “Versions” to which the bug relates.

In the “Comment” field, describe the problem in detail, including what you expected to happen and what did happen. Be sure to include whether any extension modules were involved, and what hardware and software platform you were using (including version information as appropriate).

Each bug report will be assigned to a developer who will determine what needs to be done to correct the problem. You will receive an update each time action is taken on the bug.

See also

How to Report Bugs Effectively

Article which goes into some detail about how to create a useful bug report. This describes what kind of information is useful and why it is useful.

Bug Writing Guidelines

Information about writing a good bug report. Some of this is specific to the Mozilla project, but describes general good practices.

Getting started contributing to Python yourself

Beyond just reporting bugs that you find, you are also welcome to submit patches to fix them. You can find more information on how to get started patching Python in the Python Developer’s Guide. If you have questions, the core-mentorship mailing list is a friendly place to get answers to any and all questions pertaining to the process of fixing issues in Python.