How to Report Bugs Effectively 摘录

http://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/~sgtatham/bugs.html

In a nutshell, the aim of a bug report is to enable the programmer to see the program failing in front of them. 

"Show me how to show myself."

Instead of being a mongoose, be an antelope. 

If a computer does anything unexpected, freeze.

"I think the tachyon modulation must be wrongly polarised."

I'm sure he wouldn't do that to a doctor. "Doctor, I need a prescription for Hydroyoyodyne." People know not to say that to a doctor: you describe the symptoms, the actual discomforts and aches and pains and rashes and fevers, and you let the doctor do the diagnosis of what the problem is and what to do about it. Otherwise the doctor dismisses you as a hypochondriac or crackpot, and quite rightly so.

Summary

• The first aim of a bug report is to let the programmer see the failure with their own eyes. If you can't be with them to make it fail in front of them, give them detailed instructions so that they can make it fail for themselves.
• In case the first aim doesn't succeed, and the programmer can't see it failing themselves, the second aim of a bug report is to describe what went wrong. Describe everything in detail. State what you saw, and also state what you expected to see. Write down the error messages, especially if they have numbers in.
• When your computer does something unexpected, freeze. Do nothing until you're calm, and don't do anything that you think might be dangerous.
• By all means try to diagnose the fault yourself if you think you can, but if you do, you should still report the symptoms as well.
• Be ready to provide extra information if the programmer needs it. If they didn't need it, they wouldn't be asking for it. They aren't being deliberately awkward. Have version numbers at your fingertips, because they will probably be needed.
• Write clearly. Say what you mean, and make sure it can't be misinterpreted.
• Above all, be precise. Programmers like precision.