wtf-is-a-minimum-reproduction
A minimum reproduction repository is a git repository that can be shared publicly (doesn’t expose private business logic), shows the problem you’re running into, and has the fewest dependencies installed possible. It also has the steps in place for how to replicate the error you’re running into. This is easiest to add to the README, but honestly you can add it wherever, a text file even.
Doesn’t Expose Business Logic
Sounds pretty simple, right? If your error resolves around a specific step in business logic, replicate the business logic in a way that doesn’t make it evident what you’re working on.
Shows The Problem You’re Running Into
Does this need explanation? This is why the minimum reproduction should be created in the first place, cause you have an error you want someone to look into.
Has The Fewest Dependencies Installed Possible
If the reproduction doesn’t need it, get rid of it. Databases are often easy to remove in minimum reproduction. Seriously, the less you make others spin up databases the easier it is to work it. If you end up having a database related issue or an issue between multiple servers, adding a docker-compose.yml file to orchestrate the connections helps out tremendously.
Steps To Replicate
A set of clear, defined steps on how to replicate the error. You can separate the setup and reproduction steps as well if you’d like. An example would be something like
# Setup
1) npm install
# Reproduction
1) npm run start:dev
2) open new terminal
3) curl http://localhost:3000/users
4) see the error
Okay I Understand What It Is, What Else Do I Need?
Generally speaking, if you meet the above, it’s good to go. This helps out those who debug errors and provide support immensely.
So why am I being asked for this?
There’s a few reasons to provide a minimum reproduction:
- it makes debugging where the error could be so much easier. Instead of looking across 20 files and 5 directories, it’s now 2 files in 1 directory. Much less to dig through and understand
- half the time while creating the minimum reproduction, you’ll find what the problem was yourself and grow as a developer and as a knowledge sharer.