4.8. Dealing with Broken Ports
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## 4.8. Dealing with Broken Ports

When a port does not build or install, try the following:

1. Search to see if there is a fix pending for the port in the Problem Report database. If so, implementing the proposed fix may fix the issue.

2. Ask the maintainer of the port for help. Type `make maintainer` in the ports skeleton or read the port's `Makefile` to find the maintainer's email address. Remember to include the `$FreeBSD:` line from the port's `Makefile` and the output leading up to the error in the email to the maintainer.

   ### Note:

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

   In particular, ports maintained by `<ports@FreeBSD.org>` are not maintained by a specific individual. Instead, any fixes and support come from the general community who subscribe to that mailing list. More volunteers are always needed!

   If there is no response to the email, use Bugzilla to submit a bug report using the instructions in 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. Install the package instead of the port using the instructions in Section 4.4, “Using pkg for Binary Package Management”.

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