Shared web hosting users can get involved in WordPress bug hunt

WordPress web hosting users can join in a bug hunt for the upcoming 2.9 version of the blog publishing application. Those using shared web hosting services will be able to test patches and report the results as well as work on solutions to major bugs.

Two hunts have now been scheduled over the next couple of weeks to allow people enough time to take part and prepare themselves. The first will be taking place from November 5th-7th, which should provide people with a few days to plan for it and upgrade their "dev environments", according to Jane Wells, writing on the WordPress blog. This period could also be used by people to work out how to organise their time.

The second bug hunt for WordPress version 2.9 is to be held between November 14th and 16th. "This bug hunt will coincide with WordCamp NYC, where a special Hacker Room will be set aside for people to go and work on 2.9 bug tickets alongside regular core contributors including Mark Jaquith and Matt Martz," explained Ms Wells.

A number of goals have been set out by the WordPress team. Ms Wells encouraged people who get involved with the bug hunts to test a patch and then report results in the ticket comments so core committers can see how the patch is doing.

Core committers will be on hand during both of the hunts to look over patches that have been extensively tested and answer questions as required. They will also be providing feedback for patches that need more work before being "commit-worthy", Ms Wells said.

She advised bug hunt first-timers to set up a test environment and then start using the current development version, or perhaps install the beta testing plugin. They should also look to read up on automated testing, Ms Wells added.

Mark Jaquith, also writing on the WordPress blog, recently said that the top reason people give the team for not upgrading to the latest version is the fear that their plugins will not be compatible.

Written by Freddie Simmonds.