Minimal
Remove code in small steps while confirming the problem remains. Replace private dependencies with simple fixtures and collapse unrelated application layers. Minimal does not mean incomplete; it means every remaining piece contributes to reproduction.
Complete
Include imports, sample input, environment versions, and the command to run. If a reviewer must invent missing data or guess dependencies, the example is not complete.
Related step: Code-sharing workflow - Turn the reduced example into a focused review link.
Reproducible
Describe expected and actual behavior precisely. Run the final artifact in a clean environment when possible. A paste can hold the single-file example; multi-file cases are usually better in a repository or gist.
Key takeaways
- Remove one variable at a time.
- Include every required input.
- Verify from a clean start.
Primary sources and further reading
Questions about How to Create a Minimal Reproducible Example
Does minimal mean one line?
No. Keep every line required to reproduce the behavior and remove only unrelated code, data, and dependencies.
Should a minimal example use production data?
No. Use synthetic values that preserve the relevant types and relationships.
What environment details matter?
Include the runtime, dependency versions, operating system when relevant, exact command, input, expected result, and actual result.
For more context on How to Create a Minimal Reproducible Example, browse the complete Pastebin guide library or read the editorial policy behind this review.