How to properly report errors and ask for help (except license key error)

[MrSam_1]

I've seen a lot of members saying "I have white screen, why?". With the risk of being considered blunt I have to say that this is a totally dumb question (with emphasis on "totally dumb").
I know that not all have advanced programming knowledge but this is basic knowledge. First of all you check the error log of your server. You will find there all you need to report the error.

IS THAT SIMPLE​

Following is how to properly report an error and ask for help (categorized):

1. In case of php scripts following are required from you to say:

1.1	Machine type	This is your server: baremetal, dedicated, VPS, local
1.2	Web server type	Your running server type: nginx, apache, litespeed or in case of local: xamp, wamp, alexserv etc
1.3	Php version	Your server php version: 5.x, 7.2, 7.3 etc
1.4	Application framework	Most of applications are build on a framework and you should mention that cause every framework have its own issues or requirements. Most popular frameworks used are: CodeIgniter and Laravel. You can find this by opening main index.php of the app and you'll find it written in the first lines.
1.5	Last lines of your server error log	This is very helpful cause you can find in there most of the errors which leads very easily to a quick solution.
1.6	Custom mentions	Say here everything else that's not covered by above points (from 1 to 5). Like: I can access the back-end but front-end give white screen. Or: these are errors from developer's console log: ...

2. In case of wordpress sites this is what you have to say for a quick answer pointing the solution for your issue:

2.1	Web server type	Your running server type: nginx, apache, litespeed or in case of local: xamp, wamp, alexserv etc
2.2	Php version	Your server php version: 5.x, 7.2, 7.3 etc
2.3	Wordpress version	If it's not the latest wordpress version then mention it
2.4	Active theme	Mention your active theme (this is really important as you will see)
2.5	Active plugins	It's well known that some plugins are conflicting with others or with theme this is why it's important to mention your active theme and installed plugins. So make a list of your installed plugins and put it here.
2.6	Security plugin rules	Sometimes you might have defined some rules (or they are pre-defined) that will conflict with your theme so mention them (if it's the case)
2.7	Custom mentions	Say here everything else that's not covered by above points (from 1 to 5). Like: I can access the back-end but front-end give white screen. Or: these are errors from developer's console log: ... Or: this is what I found in my server error log: ...

For wordpress users is very important to know how to activate debugging so do a quick search on google of "how to activate debug on wordpress sites"

Mind that IT IS NOT MANDATORY for the board members to help you. They will do it if they have time.

None of the members will solve bugged themes or plugins. This is developer's job. So if a theme/plugin/app have bugs then wait for next release unless you wanna pay for someone to solve it.
​

Before you report an error make sure that you followed the required steps to install the app/plugin/theme and the requirements are fulfilled.
For most of your questions (like: how do I activate debug) you can find the answer on Google so don't be afraid to use. Google is your best friend.

@Tomz @medw1311 @TassieNZ @zen123 please lock this thread for replies. Thank you

 

[tanierlyons]

lock and sticked bro