5.8. Dealing with Broken Ports
Prev | Chapter 5. Installing Applications: Packages and Ports | Next

## 5.8. Dealing with Broken Ports

When coming across a port that does not build or install:

1. Find out if there is a fix pending for the port in the Problem Report database. If so, the proposed fix may work.

2. Ask the maintainer of the port for help. Type `make `maintainer`` or read the `Makefile` to find the maintainer's email address. Remember to include the name and version of the port (send the `$FreeBSD:` line from the `Makefile`) and the output leading up to the error when you email the maintainer.

   ### Note:

   Some ports are not maintained by an individual but instead by a mailing list. Many, but not all, of these addresses look like `<freebsd-listname@FreeBSD.org>`. Please take this into account when phrasing your questions.

   In particular, ports shown as maintained by `<ports@FreeBSD.org>` are actually not maintained by anyone. Fixes and support, if any, come from the general community who subscribe to that mailing list. More volunteers are always needed!

   If you do not get a response, use send-pr(1) to submit a bug report (see Writing FreeBSD Problem Reports).

3. Fix it! The Porter's Handbook includes detailed information on the “Ports” infrastructure so that you can fix the occasional broken port or even submit your own!

4. Use pkg_add(1) to instead install the package.

Prev | Up | Next
5.7. Working With Installed Ports | Home | Chapter 6. The X Window System

This, and other documents, can be downloaded from http://ftp.FreeBSD.org/pub/FreeBSD/doc/

For questions about FreeBSD, read the documentation before contacting <questions@FreeBSD.org>.
For questions about this documentation, e-mail <doc@FreeBSD.org>.