Publishing Release Candidates On Merge To Develop Branch

Introduction

In the realm of software development, the process of managing code changes and releases is crucial for maintaining stability and ensuring smooth integration. This article delves into a specific scenario concerning the publication of release candidates (RCs) upon merging code into the develop branch, particularly within the context of the ORNL-AMO and MEASUR-Tools-Suite projects. Currently, a "beta" version is published whenever a pull request (PR) is opened, which, while beneficial for testing individual code changes, presents challenges when multiple PRs are open simultaneously. This article aims to explore the rationale behind transitioning to a -rc publication strategy on merge to develop, the benefits it offers, and the implications for the development workflow.

The current practice of publishing beta versions upon opening a pull request (PR), exemplified by versions like 1.0.13-beta.XXX, serves a valuable purpose in facilitating the testing of individual code modifications. This approach allows developers and testers to scrutinize changes in isolation, ensuring that new features or bug fixes function as intended before being integrated into the larger codebase. However, the dynamic nature of development, where multiple PRs may be open concurrently, introduces complexities, particularly for branches like develop that serve as integration hubs. The continuous influx of changes from various PRs can transform the develop branch into a moving target, making it difficult to maintain a stable and predictable environment for integration testing. This instability can hinder the identification of integration issues and potentially delay the release process. The transition to publishing release candidates (RCs) on merge to develop addresses these challenges by providing a more controlled and reliable mechanism for managing code integration and release preparation. By focusing on the state of the codebase after a merge, rather than during the PR stage, the -rc approach offers a clearer snapshot of the integrated system, facilitating more effective testing and ultimately streamlining the release pipeline. This article will further elaborate on the advantages of this strategy and its impact on the overall development workflow.

The Problem with Beta Releases on PR Open

Currently, the practice involves publishing a "beta" version of the application (e.g., 1.0.13-beta.XXX) whenever a pull request (PR) is opened. While this is advantageous for testing specific code changes in isolation, it poses challenges when multiple PRs are open concurrently. The develop branch, particularly in projects like AMO-Tools-Desktop where various changes are integrated, becomes a moving target. This can lead to inconsistencies and difficulties in testing the integrated changes effectively. Imagine a scenario where several developers are working on different features, each submitting their PRs. Each PR triggers a new beta release, creating a cascade of versions that can be overwhelming to manage and test. Testers might find themselves testing code that is rapidly changing due to ongoing merges, making it difficult to pinpoint the exact source of issues or regressions. Moreover, the frequent beta releases can clutter the versioning system and make it challenging to track the evolution of the codebase.

The core challenge stems from the fact that beta releases tied to PR openings represent the state of code before integration. This means that testers are evaluating changes in isolation, without the context of how they interact with other modifications. In a complex system, these interactions can be critical, and issues may only surface when code from different PRs is combined. By shifting the focus to release candidates published on merge to develop, the development team gains a more holistic view of the system. The -rc versions reflect the codebase after integration, providing a more accurate representation of the system's behavior and allowing for more effective testing of interactions between different code changes. This approach reduces the risk of encountering unexpected issues late in the release cycle and contributes to a more stable and predictable development process. The following sections will delve deeper into the benefits of publishing release candidates on merge to develop and how this strategy can enhance the overall quality and efficiency of software development.

Proposed Solution: Release Candidates on Merge to Develop

To address the challenges posed by beta releases, the proposed solution is to publish a release candidate (-rc) version upon merging code into the develop branch. For instance, a version like 1.0.13-rc.XXX would be published. This approach offers a more stable and representative version for testing integrated changes. The key advantage of publishing release candidates (RCs) on merge to develop is that it provides a clear demarcation point for testing integrated code. Unlike beta releases tied to individual PRs, an -rc version represents the state of the codebase after a specific set of changes has been merged. This allows testers to focus their efforts on evaluating the system as a whole, rather than piecemeal changes. By testing the integrated system, testers can identify issues that may arise from interactions between different components or modules, which might not be apparent when testing individual PRs in isolation.

Furthermore, the use of -rc versions provides a more structured and predictable release process. Each -rc represents a candidate for the final release, and testing efforts are directed towards validating its stability and functionality. If issues are identified during -rc testing, they can be addressed and a new -rc can be published, iterating until a stable version is achieved. This iterative approach allows the development team to refine the system gradually, ensuring that the final release meets the desired quality standards. The -rc methodology also provides a clear signal to stakeholders about the progress towards a release. The publication of an -rc indicates that the code has reached a certain level of maturity and is undergoing final testing. This transparency helps to manage expectations and allows stakeholders to provide feedback at a crucial stage in the development process. In the subsequent sections, we will explore the specific benefits of this approach in more detail and discuss how it can improve the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the software development lifecycle.

Benefits of Using Release Candidates

Improved Stability and Testing

Release candidates (RCs) offer a significant improvement in stability for testing. By publishing an -rc only after merging into the develop branch, you ensure that the version being tested represents the integrated state of the codebase. This drastically reduces the chances of encountering issues stemming from interactions between different code changes, which are common with beta releases based on individual PRs. When testers work with -rc versions, they can confidently evaluate the system's overall behavior, knowing that the code has already undergone a basic level of integration. This allows them to focus on more complex scenarios and edge cases, leading to a more thorough and effective testing process. The stability afforded by -rc versions also simplifies the process of identifying and isolating bugs. Because the codebase is more cohesive, it's easier to trace issues back to their root cause and implement targeted fixes. This reduces the time and effort required for debugging and ultimately contributes to a faster and more reliable release cycle. Moreover, the use of -rc versions facilitates the creation of more stable testing environments. By testing against a known and consistent codebase, testers can minimize the impact of external factors and ensure that test results are accurate and reproducible. This is particularly important for automated testing, where consistency is crucial for identifying regressions and ensuring the quality of each release. The stability provided by release candidates is a cornerstone of a robust software development process, enabling teams to build and deliver high-quality software with greater confidence.

Clearer Release Process

The use of release candidates establishes a clearer and more structured release process. Each -rc version serves as a milestone in the path to the final release, providing a tangible measure of progress and a clear focus for testing efforts. This structured approach helps to streamline the release workflow and reduces the ambiguity often associated with managing multiple beta releases. With -rc versions, the development team can establish a well-defined set of criteria for determining when a release is ready. These criteria might include passing a specific suite of tests, resolving all critical bugs, or achieving a certain level of performance. By adhering to these criteria, the team can ensure that each release meets the required quality standards and that the final product is robust and reliable. The clarity provided by -rc versions also extends to communication with stakeholders. The publication of an -rc signals that the code is nearing completion and provides a concrete version for stakeholders to review and provide feedback. This transparency helps to manage expectations and ensures that stakeholders are informed about the progress of the release. Furthermore, the -rc approach facilitates a more iterative release process. If issues are identified during -rc testing, the team can address them and publish a new -rc, iterating until a stable version is achieved. This iterative approach allows for continuous improvement and ensures that the final release is the best possible product. In summary, the use of release candidates promotes a more organized, transparent, and efficient release process, benefiting both the development team and the stakeholders involved.

Better Versioning and Tracking

Release candidates (RCs) enhance versioning and tracking, providing a more organized and easily understandable history of the software's development. The -rc nomenclature clearly distinguishes these versions from beta releases and final releases, making it easier to identify the stage of development a particular version represents. This clarity is crucial for managing dependencies, troubleshooting issues, and understanding the evolution of the codebase. With a well-defined versioning scheme, developers can quickly identify the specific -rc version that introduced a bug or feature, facilitating more efficient debugging and code maintenance. The -rc versions also provide a valuable record of the testing process. By tracking the results of tests performed on each -rc, the development team can gain insights into the stability and performance of the software over time. This information can be used to identify areas for improvement and to make informed decisions about when to promote an -rc to a final release. Moreover, the use of -rc versions simplifies the process of managing and distributing test builds. Testers can easily identify the latest -rc version and deploy it to their testing environments, ensuring that they are always working with the most up-to-date code. This reduces the risk of testing against outdated or unstable versions and contributes to more reliable test results. The improved versioning and tracking provided by release candidates are essential for maintaining a healthy and well-managed software project, enabling teams to collaborate effectively and deliver high-quality software on time.

Implications for the Development Workflow

The shift to publishing release candidates on merge to develop has several implications for the development workflow. First, it necessitates a stricter adherence to branching strategies. Developers should ensure that their code is thoroughly tested and reviewed before submitting a pull request to the develop branch. This helps maintain the stability of the develop branch and ensures that each merge contributes to a viable release candidate. Second, the testing process becomes more focused and efficient. Testers can concentrate their efforts on evaluating the integrated changes in the -rc version, rather than dealing with the potentially unstable beta releases. This allows for a more comprehensive and targeted testing approach, leading to a higher quality final product. Third, the release process becomes more predictable. By establishing clear criteria for promoting an -rc to a final release, the development team can create a consistent and repeatable release cycle. This reduces the risk of unexpected delays and ensures that releases are delivered on time and within budget. Furthermore, the use of -rc versions encourages a more collaborative development environment. Developers, testers, and stakeholders can all work together to evaluate the -rc and provide feedback, ensuring that the final release meets the needs of all parties. This collaborative approach fosters a sense of shared ownership and contributes to a more successful software development project. In conclusion, the transition to publishing release candidates on merge to develop can significantly improve the development workflow, leading to more stable, predictable, and collaborative software development practices.

Conclusion

Publishing release candidates (-rc) on merge to the develop branch offers a more stable, predictable, and efficient approach compared to the current practice of publishing beta versions on every pull request. This strategy enhances testing, clarifies the release process, and improves versioning, ultimately leading to higher-quality software releases. By adopting this approach, the ORNL-AMO and MEASUR-Tools-Suite projects can streamline their development workflow and deliver more reliable software to their users.

For further information on software release management and best practices, consider exploring resources like Atlassian's guide to release management.