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Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 79 views

Bug: Docusaurus Build on Windows

Docusaurus is a popular open-source tool for building and deploying documentation websites. However, users have reported issues with building Docusaurus on Windows using pnpm. In this article, we will delve into the bug that causes git describe execution to fail when building Docusaurus with pnpm under Windows PowerShell 7.

The bug in question occurs when attempting to build Docusaurus using pnpm on Windows with PowerShell 7. The issue arises from the execution of the git describe command, which fails to produce the expected output. This command is crucial for determining the commit hash and other relevant information about the current state of the repository.

To reproduce the bug, follow these steps:

Install pnpm: First, install pnpm on your Windows machine. You can do this by running the following command in your terminal:

npm install -g pnpm

2. **Clone the Docusaurus repository**: Clone the Docusaurus repository using the following command:
   ```bash
git clone https://github.com/facebook/docusaurus.git

Navigate to the Docusaurus directory: Change into the Docusaurus directory using the following command:

cd docusaurus

4. **Install dependencies**: Install the required dependencies using the following command:
   ```bash
pnpm install

Build Docusaurus: Attempt to build Docusaurus using the following command:

pnpm run build

6. **Observe the error**: Observe the error message that appears when the `git describe` command fails.

**Expected Behavior**
=====================

The expected behavior when building Docusaurus with pnpm on Windows is that the `git describe` command should execute successfully, producing the expected output. This output should include the commit hash and other relevant information about the current state of the repository.

**Additional Context**
=====================

Unfortunately, there is no additional context available for this bug. However, we can try to gather more information by examining the error message and the relevant code.

**Are you willing to submit a PR to fix this bug?**
=============================================

Yes, I would like to submit a PR to fix this bug.

**Possible Solutions**
=====================

Based on the available information, there are several possible solutions to this bug:

1. **Update pnpm**: The first possible solution is to update pnpm to the latest version. This may resolve the issue if it is a known bug in the current version of pnpm.
2. **Use a different version of PowerShell**: The second possible solution is to use a different version of PowerShell. PowerShell 7 may not be compatible with the `git describe` command, so trying a different version may resolve the issue.
3. **Modify the `git describe` command**: The third possible solution is to modify the `git describe` command to use a different syntax or flags. This may resolve the issue if it is a compatibility problem with the current version of `git`.
4. **Submit a PR to fix the bug**: The final possible solution is to submit a PR to fix the bug. This may involve modifying the Docusaurus code to use a different version of `git` or to modify the `git describe` command to use a different syntax or flags.

**Conclusion**
==========

In conclusion, the bug in question occurs when building Docusaurus with pnpm on Windows using PowerShell 7. The issue arises from the execution of the `git describe` command, which fails to produce the expected output. To resolve this bug, we can try updating pnpm, using a different version of PowerShell, modifying the `git describe` command, or submitting a PR to fix the bug.<br/>
**Bug: Docusaurus Build on Windows - Q&A**

**Introduction**
===============

In our previous article, we discussed the bug that causes `git describe` execution to fail when building Docusaurus with pnpm under Windows PowerShell 7. In this article, we will provide a Q&A section to help users understand the issue better and find possible solutions.

**Q: What is the cause of the bug?**
================================

A: The cause of the bug is not yet clear. However, it is believed to be related to the interaction between pnpm, PowerShell 7, and the `git describe` command.

**Q: How can I reproduce the bug?**
================================

A: To reproduce the bug, follow the steps outlined in our previous article:

1. Install pnpm on your Windows machine.
2. Clone the Docusaurus repository.
3. Navigate to the Docusaurus directory.
4. Install the required dependencies using pnpm.
5. Attempt to build Docusaurus using pnpm.

**Q: What is the expected behavior?**
================================

A: The expected behavior when building Docusaurus with pnpm on Windows is that the `git describe` command should execute successfully, producing the expected output. This output should include the commit hash and other relevant information about the current state of the repository.

**Q: What are the possible solutions to the bug?**
=============================================

A: Based on the available information, there are several possible solutions to the bug:

1. **Update pnpm**: The first possible solution is to update pnpm to the latest version. This may resolve the issue if it is a known bug in the current version of pnpm.
2. **Use a different version of PowerShell**: The second possible solution is to use a different version of PowerShell. PowerShell 7 may not be compatible with the `git describe` command, so trying a different version may resolve the issue.
3. **Modify the `git describe` command**: The third possible solution is to modify the `git describe` command to use a different syntax or flags. This may resolve the issue if it is a compatibility problem with the current version of `git`.
4. **Submit a PR to fix the bug**: The final possible solution is to submit a PR to fix the bug. This may involve modifying the Docusaurus code to use a different version of `git` or to modify the `git describe` command to use a different syntax or flags.

**Q: How can I submit a PR to fix the bug?**
=============================================

A: To submit a PR to fix the bug, follow these steps:

1. **Fork the Docusaurus repository**: Fork the Docusaurus repository on GitHub.
2. **Create a new branch**: Create a new branch in your forked repository.
3. **Modify the code**: Modify the code to fix the bug.
4. **Commit the changes**: Commit the changes to your new branch.
5. **Push the changes**: Push the changes to your forked repository.
6. **Submit a PR**: Submit a PR to the Docusaurus repository.

**Q: What are the next steps after submitting a PR?**
=============================================

A: After submitting a PR, the maintainers of the Docusaurus repository will review your code and provide feedback. If your PR is accepted, it will be merged into the main repository. If your PR is rejected, you will receive feedback on how to improve your code.

**Conclusion**
==========

In conclusion, the bug in question occurs when building Docusaurus with pnpm on Windows using PowerShell 7. The issue arises from the execution of the `git describe` command, which fails to produce the expected output. To resolve this bug, we can try updating pnpm, using a different version of PowerShell, modifying the `git describe` command, or submitting a PR to fix the bug.