Bugzilla

All bugs in the MediaWiki software should be reported at bugzilla.wikimedia.org. This is also the place to request new features or enhancements to existing features, although bear the following points in mind before making a feature/enhancement request:
 * If the request is specific to a Wikimedia wiki, please discuss the issue on that wiki first.
 * Consider whether a custom extension would be more appropriate.

What is Bugzilla?
Bugzilla is our on-line bug-tracking tool, and it is where any bugs in the MediaWiki software should be reported. It can also be used to request new features or enhancements, although you should consider whether the feature is better suited to an extension first.

The reason we use Bugzilla is that it allows the developers to easily find, track and discuss issues, to spot duplicate issues and ultimately to resolve them.

For more information, see the Wikipedia article on Bugzilla.

Note that, in some places, the software is referred to as Mediazilla.

How do I report a bug?

 * 1) Go to bugzilla.wikimedia.org.
 * 2) Use the search box on the main page to see if your bug has already been submitted.  You can also perform more advanced searches on the search page.
 * 3) If you are sure that your issue has not already been reported then click enter a new bug in the toolbox on the left.  You will be prompted to login if you have not already done so (see 'Why must I register?', below).
 * 4) Select 'MediaWiki' as the product.
 * 5) Fill in the following boxes (the rest can be left blank):
 * 6) * Component (if you don't know, select 'General/Unknown')
 * 7) * Summary - a short one-sentence summary of the issue
 * 8) * Description - full details of the issue, giving as much detail as possible
 * 9) Click 'Commit'

That's it! For maximum chance of your bug being fixed, you are advised to read the bug writing guidelines first.

Why must I register?
We need you to register in order to use Bugzilla. This is primarily so that we can contact you if there are further questions regarding your bug submission. For example, if a developer is unable to replicate your problem they will ask for more information.

Registering is free and easy. Simply click the 'create account' link at the top right of the page, enter your e-mail address (and optionally your real name) and click 'create account'. Then simply login using the password you receive in the confirmation e-mail (which can be changed in your preferences once you have logged in).

Once logged in, you can change your preferences to specify what kinds of e-mail Bugzilla sends you (with the option of turning off all e-mail). To do this click 'my preferences' in the top right and select the 'email settings' tab.

Some people prefer to set up a separate e-mail account (using a free webmail service) for working with Bugzilla.

Why can't I report bugs here?
You can. You can also report by writing them in chalk on the pavement. However, if you want a developer to act on it then you need to put it somewhere they are likely to see it, namely Bugzilla.