Wikipedia:Bots/Noticeboard

Bots noticeboard

Here we coordinate and discuss Wikipedia issues related to bots and other programs interacting with the MediaWiki software. Bot operators are the main users of this noticeboard, but even if you are not one, your comments will be welcome. Just make sure you are aware about our bot policy and know where to post your issue.

Do not post here if you came to

• discuss non-urgent bot issues, bugs and suggestions for improvement. Do that at the bot operator's talk page
• discuss urgent/major bot issues. Do that according to instructions at WP:BOTISSUE
• discuss general questions about the MediaWiki software and syntax. We have the village pump's technical section for that
• request approval for your new bot. Here is where you should do it
• request new functionality for bots. Share your ideas at the dedicated page

Bot not running - creator inactive

Hi! I noticed that the Rick Bot is not running correctly and has not been active since November 30th. Its creator, Rick Block is also largely inactive and hasn't stopped by since November 4th (or responded to a message on his talk). He's had long periods of inactivity before, which ordinarily isn't a problem since the bot keeps on trucking. The bot normally runs daily and does some useful tasks, including updating the count of admins and CFD archives. Is there an established procedure to step in and fix a bot or duplicate its functions if an operator isn't available? Thanks! —Ganesha811 (talk) 19:35, 31 December 2024 (UTC)

Anyone is welcome to create a "backup" bot or similar if a bot operator is AFK and otherwise not responding. If the source code is freely available then this can be as simple as using the code and filing a new BRFA, or it could mean needing to re-write it all from scratch before filing a BRFA. Either way, unless the bot is directly handed off to someone (unlikely if the operator is away) then you'll need a BRFA to take over the task, even if only temporarily. Primefac (talk) 13:38, 1 January 2025 (UTC)

The code is availabe at User:Rick Bot/scripts. It doesn't look too hard to set up. — Qwerfjkltalk 13:00, 2 January 2025 (UTC)

Thanks to you both for the answers. Hopefully Rick will be back soon, but if he isn't, I think it makes sense for another bot operator to set up duplicative functions and get approval so these tasks can be handled. —Ganesha811 (talk) 13:58, 2 January 2025 (UTC)

I can help with the admin activity updates. I can write new code and file a BRFA if that works for you. I am temporarily taking on this task, so if anyone is interested in taking over, feel free to contact me for the source code. – DreamRimmer (talk) 15:16, 2 January 2025 (UTC)

That works for me (not that I have any actual authority in this matter lol!). Thanks for stepping up to take over those functions. If anyone else has the expertise or time to take over the bot's other tasks, that would be very helpful as well. —Ganesha811 (talk) 16:45, 2 January 2025 (UTC)

Alright, I will file a BRFA shortly. – DreamRimmer (talk) 16:50, 2 January 2025 (UTC)

BRFA filed – DreamRimmer (talk) 19:22, 2 January 2025 (UTC)

PearBOT

Hi, please forgive me if this isn't the proper way to do this here. I was going to create a new section, but noticed this one and I have the exact same question. I recently realized that PearBOT hasn't been running correctly since February 2024, and it's creator, Trialpears, doesn't seem to be active anymore. More specifically, I'm personally interested in the functions of PearBOT 3.

So anyway, my question, as this is all beyond my skill set/knowledge base. Would this bot specially need a re-write, or just a new BRFA filing with the existing source code? Winderz IoT (talk) 19:58, 11 January 2025 (UTC) Edit: Tagging @Pppery: as I thought you might be interested in this topic as well. Winderz IoT (talk) 20:48, 11 January 2025 (UTC)

I have restarted PearBOT and updated the code to work with the latest versions of Pywikibot and Python. Please take a look at the edits and let me know if you notice any issues. @Winderz IoT – DreamRimmer (talk) 14:38, 12 January 2025 (UTC)

Thank you so much! Seems like it is working well! Honestly a bit of a relief to not have this on the todo list. Trialpears (talk) 17:08, 12 January 2025 (UTC)

Thank you both for all the help! I'd be completely lost otherwise, 😅. I wasn't sure if this bot would ever work again, so really glad to see it working now, certainly makes things a bit easier/better. Furthermore, I quickly looked at the edits, I'm not noticing any obvious issues so far, seems to be working as expected, so much appreciated. @DreamRimmer @Trialpears

Also, @Trialpears, I've dealt with depression myself, so I know the feeling, but it can get better. Oh, and no worries about any inconvenience on my part at least to be clear, we're all volunteers after all :). Winderz IoT (talk) 02:08, 13 January 2025 (UTC)

If someone takes this over with their own bot, it will need a new BRFA, if only to ensure that everything is working as intended. Primefac (talk) 20:01, 11 January 2025 (UTC)

Thanks for the quick response. Yeah, I'm hoping someone with a better knowledge of this than myself could take this over. Winderz IoT (talk) 20:48, 11 January 2025 (UTC)

Oh crap, when I was first looking at PearBOT I didn't notice that only some PearBOTs have their source code published it seems, my bad. PearBOT 3s source seems to be missing. Or am I just a newb who's not finding it? Winderz IoT (talk) 05:31, 12 January 2025 (UTC)

It's available at User:PearBOT/Template cache/source. – DreamRimmer (talk) 05:56, 12 January 2025 (UTC)

Depression is rough. I don't have the energy to do all that much these days and when I do Wikipedia is very low priority. I'm happy to add anyone to the tool forge project if anyone wants. I believe the only thing that is broken is that the scheduler system changed and I apparently failed to update it properly. Sorry for all the inconvenience I've caused. Trialpears (talk) 10:37, 12 January 2025 (UTC)

@Trialpears: I can fix and maintain it if you can add me. – DreamRimmer (talk) 10:41, 12 January 2025 (UTC)

@DreamRimmer I believe I managed to add you as a maintainer. Feel free to do anything you want with the stuff there. I believe the infobox request task also is in the same boat but that might be moot after all the WikiProject banner redesigns. I really haven't kept up. Trialpears (talk) 11:05, 12 January 2025 (UTC)

@Trialpears: I think you added me to the wrong tool; it should be pearbot, not pearbot2. – DreamRimmer (talk) 12:25, 12 January 2025 (UTC)

Right, should be fixed now. Trialpears (talk) 12:34, 12 January 2025 (UTC)

BAG nomination

Hi! I have nominated myself for BAG membership. Your comments would be appreciated on the nomination page. Thanks! – DreamRimmer (talk) 16:50, 18 January 2025 (UTC)

Request for feedback: research of feature impact on user bots

Hello all! My name is Matt Gaughan and I am a doctoral student researcher at Northwestern. I am currently working on a project comparing Wikipedia feature deployments that have impacted user bot functionality, such as when the VisualEditor roll-out limited bot activity. We have briefly described our research project on this meta-wiki page.

I have assembled a table outlining the feature deployments that I am planning on studying, linked here. I would really appreciate any thoughts you might have on these characterizations, especially if I'm missing anything concerning the features' impacts on user bots and scripts. Please respond to me here, reach out on my talk page, or email me if you would like to share your perspective! I am happy to discuss my project more if that would be helpful.

Thank you! Matt Gaughan Ggonnemm (talk) 20:38, 27 January 2025 (UTC)