#1149026 apt-listbugs: Don't emit terminal control sequences when output isn't a terminal (consequences of #1142460)

Package:
apt-listbugs
Source:
apt-listbugs
Submitter:
Jürgen A. Erhard
Date:
2026-09-26 21:03:01 UTC
Severity:
normal
#1149026#5
Date:
2026-09-26 02:19:05 UTC
From:
To:
Hi,

I'm using apt-listbugs in a Python tool, and I just had it crash out
due to those terminal control sequences added as a fix for #1142460.

You already check the output for tty-ness, so that should be a true
SMOP. ;-)
#1149026#10
Date:
2026-09-26 21:00:35 UTC
From:
To:
Control: severity -1 wishlist

Hello, thanks for your bug report!

Do you mean that your Python tool parses the output of `apt-listbugs`?!?

Please take into account that the output of `apt-listbugs` has never
been intended to be machine-readable: it is not guaranteed to comply
with a stable format across successive versions...

Well, there's a reason why I implemented the new hyperlink feature
unconditionally, see my previous [explanation].

[explanation]: <https://bugs.debian.org/1142460#48>

Anyway, maybe I can add an option to disable the terminal emulator
hyperlinks.

I'll think about it.

Bye!