Release plan: Difference between revisions

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(A basic schedule from http://sourceforge.net/p/flightgear/mailman/message/34701971/)
m (the release plan is no longer being used according to the devel list and .... the actual release schedule)
 
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{{Note|1=As of December 2015, the release plan is in the process of being changed so that the description below will no longer be accurate:
{{FGCquote
|1= Hi Everybody,
Today, December 17th would be the day to announce the feature freeze for
3.8 if we were following the usual release schedule.
A while ago I proposed a change in that schedule and I have spent some time
on preparing the scripts for an automated release process since then. I
think I have pretty much everything ready to go for automated releases and
now I'd like to give it a first try for the 3.8 release next year.
For the first execution, I'd like to trigger the scripts manually on my
local machine instead of Jenkins to have some better control of it. If it
works out as expected, I'll put this onto our Jenkins server afterwards to
be executed automatically for the release following after 3.8.
For now, I propose the following and would do so if nobody objects:
* There is no feature freeze for the next (3.8) and the following releases
* On Jan., 17th I trigger my first script to create release/3.8 branches with version 3.8.1 (!)
* Immediately after that I let Jenkins create the binaries for 3.8.1 and we have our first release
* Patches going into the release/3.8 branch automatically trigger a new build with a previous increase of the micro version number (3.8.2, 3.8.3,..) and we immediately have a bugfix release
* On 'next', version numbers go to 3.9.0
* Nightly builds are created from next after every push in that branch
After a to-be-defined period (my proposal: 3 month) we start over:
* Create a release/3.9 branch with version 3.9.1
* etc. etc.
Note: there will be no odd-even version number scheme (odd equals unstable,
even equals stable). Instead, x.x.0 is unstable, nightly from next and
x.x.n where n >= 1 is a stable release.
If everything works as expected, we have a major release every
to-be-defined months, a bugfix release after every push to the release
branch and a nightly build after every push to 'next'.
I hope this sounds reasonable and keeps everybody happy.
Feedback welcome.
Torsten
|2= {{cite web
  | url    = http://sourceforge.net/p/flightgear/mailman/message/34701971/
  | title  = <nowiki>[Flightgear-devel] Relesae 3.8</nowiki>
  | author = <nowiki>Torsten Dreyer</nowiki>
  | date  = Dec 17th, 2015
  }}
}}
}}
{{GitStatus}}
{{GitStatus}}
 
{{Out of date}}
The '''release plan''' is the process by which a new version of [[FlightGear]] is released. The release plan is actually a continual work-in-progress, and is refined with every new release.
<!--
{{Release}}
-->
The '''release plan''' is the process by which a new version of [[FlightGear]] is released. The release plan is actually a continual work-in-progress, and is refined with every new release and how much available resource and interest there is.


[[File:ReleasePlan.jpg|thumb|250px|The original release plan.]]
[[File:ReleasePlan.jpg|thumb|250px|The original release plan.]]
FlightGear has had two release plans over [[FlightGear History|history]]. The original release plan was developed by Mathias Fröhlich, Martin Spott, Thorsten Brehm and Torsten Dreyer during LinuxTag 2011. The current plan was proposed by Torsten Dreyer after the 3.6 release was [[FlightGear Newsletter November 2015#FlightGear v3.6 canceled|cancelled]].
FlightGear has had multiple release plans over [[FlightGear History|history]].  
* Originally, releases were sporadic, irregular and took many months of manual preparation.
* Subsequently a release plan was developed by Mathias Fröhlich, Martin Spott, Thorsten Brehm and Torsten Dreyer during [[LinuxTag]] 2011.  
* A more regular plan was proposed by Torsten Dreyer after the 3.6 release was [[FlightGear Newsletter November 2015#FlightGear v3.6 canceled|cancelled]].
* Currently "Long Term Support" (LTS) releases are generated every ~24 months, with intermittent "preview" releases between them which receive less testing and support.


To suggest improvements and/or changes to the release plan, it is recommended to get in touch via the [[mailing list]]. Improvements can be based on the [[Release plan/Lessons learned|lessons learned]] from previous releases.
To suggest improvements and/or changes to the release plan, it is recommended to get in touch via the [[mailing list]]. Improvements can be based on the [[Release plan/Lessons learned|lessons learned]] from previous releases.  However, do not underestimate the amount of effort go create a new release!  Most of the burden falls on a few people.


== General release concept (old release plan) ==
== General release concept ==
New FlightGear releases are scheduled twice a year. The magic number to remember is 17. On the 17th of January (the first month) and July (the seventh month), a new release branch is created for [[SimGear]], the FlightGear source, and [[fgdata]].  
At any given time there are two release "stream":
 
* A Long Term Support (LTS) release stream. This is a stable release to which bug fixes are applied, and will be active for up to two years. Most users and aircraft developers use this release. Currently 2020.3.
{{Cquote
* A "preview" release, based on the development branch "next". This is for those interested in the latest developments. There is not currently a preview release.
|As a clarification: We do not enter a code freeze but a feature freeze. Code changes are welcome after December 17th as long as it is guaranteed (not just "unlikely") that they do not introduce any side effects and become a release blocker. It is the sole responsibility of the committer to decide if that is the case or not. Every new feature that didn't make it into the repository by the deadline may probably easily wait for another four weeks to get committed. Remember: most aircraft are not affected by the feature freeze and aircraft developers quickly adopt and use new features as they become available
| {{cite web
  | url    = http://www.mail-archive.com/flightgear-devel@lists.sourceforge.net/msg38749.html
  | title  = <nowiki>[Flightgear-devel] Next FlightGear release (Feb. 17 2013)</nowiki>
  | author = Torsten Dreyer
  | date  = 16th Nov 2012
  }}
}}
 
After branching, there is one month for bug fixing in the release branch, so building and packing of the binaries and fgdata takes place around the 18th of February and the 18th of August. Allowing a few days for distribution of the files, new versions should be publicly available around the 20th of February and August.
 
The development stream of [[SimGear]], FlightGear, and fgdata is set into a frozen state one month before the branch-day (17th), to let the dust of development settle and to allow fixing the most annoying bugs in the code. During this period, developers should not add any new features, subsystems, and the like. Immediately after the stream has branched for the release, development in the main stream (next/master) is open for major changes until one month before the next branch-day. This results in a duty cycle of 5 month developing and 1 month thinking.


== Version numbers ==
== Version numbers ==
FlightGear version numbers consist of three digits, separated by dots:
FlightGear version numbers consist of three digits, separated by dots:


=== Before 2016.1 ===
* '''Year''' (<u>2020</u>.1.0): The year the version was released.
* '''Major''' (<u>3</u>.4.0): Only increased after significant changes to the functionality of the software (e.g., 1.x.x → 2.0.0 (due to switch to [[OSG]]).
* '''Number''' (2020.<u>1</u>.0): Which release of the year the version is.  
* '''Minor''' (3.<u>4</u>.0): Has two applications:
* '''Revision''' (2020.1.<u>0</u>): The patch revision on that release.
** '''Stable releases''' always have ''even numbers'' (e.g. 2.8.0, 2.10.0, 2.12.0).
** The '''latest [[Git]] version''' or '''[[FlightGear build server|nightly build]]''' uses an ''odd number'', always one more than the latest stable release's minor revision numbere. For example, when the latest release was 3.4.0, the current development stream was 3.5.0.
* '''Revision''' (3.4.<u>0</u>): Increased by bugfix releases (e.g., 2.12.1).
 
=== 2016.1 and after ===
* '''Year''' (<u>2016</u>.1.0): The year the version was released.
* '''Number''' (2016.<u>1</u>.0): Which release of the year the version is (note: starts at 1).
* '''Revision''' (2016.1.<u>0</u>): Indicates one of two things:
** In the '''latest [[Git]] version''' or '''[[FlightGear build server|nightly build]]''', this digit is 0, indicating that it is unstable.
** When a new '''release''' is created, this digit is set to 1. With bugfix that is made, this digit is increased by 1, and a new version created.
 
{{note|In general, release are referred to by their first two digits (e.g., 3.4). However, when filing a bug report or debugging problems, it is a good idea to give the full release number.}}


{{note|In general, release are referred to by their first two digits (e.g., 2020.3). However, when filing a bug report or debugging problems, it is a good idea to give the full release number.}}


== Detailed time schedule and checklist ==
== Detailed time schedule and checklist ==
# (On the 17th of the release month): The first Jenkins script is triggered to create <code>release/xxxx.x.0</code> branches with version xxxx.x.0.
# Just after an LTS is generated, the next default airport is decided on by a poll on the forum. The next LTS release will be named after it.
# Jenkins creates the binaries for xxxx.x.1.
# A series of "preview" releases generated for cutting edge users. For each release:
# Patches going into the <code>release/xxxx.x.0</code> branch automatically trigger a new build with a increase of the revision version number (see [[#2016.1 and after|above]]) and we immediately have a bugfix release.
## A release branch is cut from "next".  E.g. release/2021.1
# On the <code>next</code> branch, the version number is changed.
## The version files are incremented.
# Nightly builds are created from <code>next</code> after every push in that branch.
## Builds are generated.
 
# When a new LTS preview is declared (after ~12 months):
The process is repeated after a set number of months (to-be-decided).
## A release branch is cut from "next". E.g. release/2022.1
<!--
## The version files are incremented. 
# '''Dec/Jun 17th:''' Development stream is declared "frozen" or "yellow"
## Builds are generated for the preview LTS.  Testing of aircraft against these releases is strongly encouraged.
##Send a mail to the flightgear-devel mailing-list to announce the state, add a call for screenshots
## Additional branches are created for subsequent releases from the original release branch (e.g. release/2022.1 -> release/2022.2)
##Create a "release preperations" topic at the forum and make it a "Global Announcement", add a call for screenshots
## Fixes are merged into the release branch as well as "next"
##Ask for translator for a review of the translations of the menu, help and startup entries in case there have been some mods on those files
## Further builds and release are generated until an LTS is declared (e.g release/2022.3).
##Change the content of wiki template at [[Template:GitStatus]] to <code><nowiki>{{GitStatus:frozen}}</nowiki></code>
## fgaddon is branched and a new catalog generated.
##Bump up the version-number of simgear/next, flightgear/next, fgrun/next and fgdata/master to an even number (2.9.0 -> 3.0.0)
##Compile and test drive FlightGear with the new version-number
##Commit the new version number to next (flightgear+simgear+fgrun) and master(fgdata)
##Tag (annotated) flightgear, simgear, fgrun and fgdata with <tt>version/3.0.0</tt>
##:<code>git tag -a version/3.0.0</code> (Enter a wise comment)
##Push the branches next/master '''and''' the tags upstream
##:for flightgear, fgrun and simgear: <code>git push origin next</code>
##:for fgdata: <code>git push origin master</code>
##:for the tags (all repos): <code>git push origin version/3.0.0</code>
# '''Jan/Jul 17th:''' Create new release branch, assign new version number to dev-stream, re-open streams
 
 
-- We don't really need this step... --
##Declare the streams "closed" or "red"
##:Send a mail to the flightgear-devel mail-list, asking not to commit/push anything
##:Post an update to the forum topic
##:Change the content of wiki template at [[Template:GitStatus]] to <code><nowiki>{{GitStatus:closed}}</nowiki></code>




##Pull current Git, create the release branches (for sg/fg/fgrun/fgdata):
##:<code>git pull</code>
##:<code>git branch release/3.0.0</code>
##On the next/master branches, bump up the version-number of simgear, flightgear, fgrun and fgdata to an odd number (3.0.0 -> 3.1.0)
##Compile and test drive FlightGear with the new development version number
##Commit the changes of version-number to next/master
##Tag (annotated) flightgear, simgear, fgrun and fgdata with "version/2.9.0"
##:<code>git tag -a version/2.9.0</code> (Enter a wise comment)
##Push the branches next/master '''and''' release/3.0.0 '''and''' the tags upstream
##:for flightgear, simgear, fgrun and fgdata: <code>git push origin release/3.0.0</code>
##:for flightgear, fgrun and simgear: <code>git push origin next</code>
##:for fgdata: <code>git push origin master</code>
##:for the tags (all repos): <code>git push origin version/3.1.0</code>
##Declare dev-streams "open" or "green"
##: Ask a [http://wiki.flightgear.org/index.php?title=Special:ListUsers&group=sysop wiki admin] to change the content of wiki template at [[Template:GitStatus]] to <code><nowiki>{{GitStatus:open}}</nowiki></code>
##:Send a mail to the flightgear-devel mailing-list to announce the state.
## Trigger James or Clément for the Jenkins-builds and Curt for a snapshot release and ThorstenB for the OpenSuse build
##:in fgmeta:
##:<code>git checkout release/3.0.0</code>
##:<code>git submodule foreach git checkout release/3.0.0</code>
##:<code>git submodule foreach git pull -r</code>
##:<code>git add .</code>
##:<code>git commit -m "Bump revision"</code>
##:<code>git push origin release/3.0.0</code>
# '''Feb/Aug 1st:''' Start preparing the release notes and a press announcement
# '''Feb/Aug 17th:''' Create binaries/installers, pack fgdata, publish files, announce new version, close the release-branch.
## Generate latest '''getstart.pdf''', push the PDF to fgdata/master - and cherry-pick to the '''release branch'''. Generate latest '''getstart''' HTML, push PDF and HTML to the MapServer site.
##Tag the release/3.0.0 branches of simgear, flightgear, fgrun and fgdata and push the tags.
##:for flighgear, simgear, fgrun and fgdata: <code>git tag version/3.0.0-final</code>
##:for flighgear, simgear, fgrun and fgdata: <code>git push origin version/3.0.0-final</code>
##Merge the branch release/3.0.0 into '''master''' (<u>'''NOT'''</u> next) for flightgear and simgear and push the branch
##:We don't have a next branch for fgdata, no merging of the release branch here.
##:for flighgear, fgrun and simgear:
##:<code>git checkout -b master origin/master</code> or <code>git checkout master</code> if you already have the local branch
##:<code>git merge version/3.0.0-final</code>
##:<code>git push origin master</code>
##[[:Category:FlightGear Core developers|Core developers]] and other contributors should be invited to add their release related experiences (i.e. suggestions for improvements) to the wiki to help update and improve the release plan (i.e. this page) accordingly.
-->
== Version files ==
== Version files ==
; FGData: {{fgdata file|version}}
; FGData: {{fgdata file|version}}
; SimGear: {{simgear file|version}}
; SimGear: {{simgear file|simgear-version}}
; FlightGear: {{flightgear file|version}}
; FlightGear: {{flightgear file|flightgear-version}}  
 
<!--
<!--  
== Definition of repository states ==
{| class="wikitable"
!
! State
! Description
|-
! [[File:Traffic light green.png|20px]]
! Open/Green
| Normal development of the code base and fgdata. Unrestricted (well, sort of) access to the streams. This state lasts for five months after the release branches were created.
|-
! [[File:Traffic light yellow.png|20px]]
! Frozen/Yellow
| No new features or major changes shall be pushed onto the development streams (neither source nor data). This period is for preparing the code for the release and make sure there are no major issues. It lasts for four weeks until creation of the release branches.
 
It's a good idea for aircraft developers to adhere to this rule. However, aircraft in fgdata may be handled as an exception from the frozen state. Any change to aircraft may be pushed to the repository if it is guaranteed that this change does not affect any other aircraft or system and if no file outside the root directory of that specific aircraft is changed. Also, aircraft defined as part of the base package (e.g. the c172p) enter the frozen state and shall not undergo major changes in that period.
|-
! [[File:Traffic light red.png|20px]]
! Closed/Red
| Nothing shall be pushed to the development streams (simgear, flightgear, fgrun and fgdata). This state is for creating the release branches. It lasts for just a few hours on Jan 17th and Jul 17th around 12:00 UTC.
|}
 
== Bug fix committing policy ==
== Bug fix committing policy ==
Fixes for bugs during the shakedown test of the release branch may be applied to the branches next or release/2.8.0.
Fixes for bugs during the preview release are applied to both "next" and the release branch (e.g. release/2022.2)
A fix goes into release/2.8.0 if the development of next has moved forward and this fix does not apply there. It also goes into the release branch if there will be a better fix for next.  
A fix goes into next if it is also solves an issue for the next version. Cherry-pick this commit into the release/2.8.0 branch.


'''DO NOT''' merge next into release/2.8.0 or vice versa. Most likely, there will be commits that are not welcome in or even break the other branch.
'''DO NOT''' merge next into release/2.8.0 or vice versa. Most likely, there will be commits that are not welcome in or even break the other branch.
-->


-->
== Bug tracking ==
== Bug tracking ==
The [http://sourceforge.net/p/flightgear/codetickets/ bugtracker] is the primary source of bug reports. Unlike the forum or mailing list, bugs reported there will be tracked, making it easier for developers to. When reporting bugs, it is best to provide as muh information as possible to more easily find the bug.
The [http://sourceforge.net/p/flightgear/codetickets/ bugtracker] is the primary source of bug reports. Unlike the forum or mailing list, bugs reported there will be tracked, making it easier for developers to keep up with them. When reporting bugs, it is best to provide as much information as possible to more easily find the bug. If you can provide a backtrace, please do so and attach it to the bug report. When creating backtraces, please use "thread apply all bt full" at the gdb command prompt.


<!--  
<!--  
Line 282: Line 135:


-->
-->
== Lessons learned ==
== Lessons learned ==
See [[Release plan/Lessons learned]] for a list of things that turned out well and should be kept for the next release as well as thing that didn't turn out so well and should be changed for future releases. Ideally, the release plan should be updated and augmented so that the lessons learned are incorporated accordingly.  
See [[Release plan/Lessons learned]] for a list of things that turned out well and should be kept for the next release as well as thing that didn't turn out so well and should be changed for future releases. Ideally, the release plan should be updated and augmented so that the lessons learned are incorporated accordingly.
<!-- {{Appendix}} -->


<!-- {{Appendix}} -->
== Wiki articles that should be updated ==
 
See [[:Category:Articles to be updated for each release]]
 
== Related content ==
=== Mailing lists ===
* {{cite web
|url = http://sourceforge.net/p/flightgear/mailman/message/34701971/
|title = <nowiki>[Flightgear-devel] Release 3.8</nowiki>
|author = Torsten Dreyer
|date = Dec 17th, 2015
}}


[[Category:Core developer documentation]]
[[Category:Core developer documentation]]
[[Category:FlightGear]]
[[Category:FlightGear]]
[[Category:Release plans]]

Latest revision as of 18:29, 8 December 2022

Current release: 2020.3.19 (18 Oct 2023)
Next release: 2020.3.20
See release plan for details.
This article or section contains out-of-date information

Please help improve this article by updating it. There may be additional information on the talk page.

The release plan is the process by which a new version of FlightGear is released. The release plan is actually a continual work-in-progress, and is refined with every new release and how much available resource and interest there is.

The original release plan.

FlightGear has had multiple release plans over history.

  • Originally, releases were sporadic, irregular and took many months of manual preparation.
  • Subsequently a release plan was developed by Mathias Fröhlich, Martin Spott, Thorsten Brehm and Torsten Dreyer during LinuxTag 2011.
  • A more regular plan was proposed by Torsten Dreyer after the 3.6 release was cancelled.
  • Currently "Long Term Support" (LTS) releases are generated every ~24 months, with intermittent "preview" releases between them which receive less testing and support.

To suggest improvements and/or changes to the release plan, it is recommended to get in touch via the mailing list. Improvements can be based on the lessons learned from previous releases. However, do not underestimate the amount of effort go create a new release! Most of the burden falls on a few people.

General release concept

At any given time there are two release "stream":

  • A Long Term Support (LTS) release stream. This is a stable release to which bug fixes are applied, and will be active for up to two years. Most users and aircraft developers use this release. Currently 2020.3.
  • A "preview" release, based on the development branch "next". This is for those interested in the latest developments. There is not currently a preview release.

Version numbers

FlightGear version numbers consist of three digits, separated by dots:

  • Year (2020.1.0): The year the version was released.
  • Number (2020.1.0): Which release of the year the version is.
  • Revision (2020.1.0): The patch revision on that release.
Note  In general, release are referred to by their first two digits (e.g., 2020.3). However, when filing a bug report or debugging problems, it is a good idea to give the full release number.

Detailed time schedule and checklist

  1. Just after an LTS is generated, the next default airport is decided on by a poll on the forum. The next LTS release will be named after it.
  2. A series of "preview" releases generated for cutting edge users. For each release:
    1. A release branch is cut from "next". E.g. release/2021.1
    2. The version files are incremented.
    3. Builds are generated.
  3. When a new LTS preview is declared (after ~12 months):
    1. A release branch is cut from "next". E.g. release/2022.1
    2. The version files are incremented.
    3. Builds are generated for the preview LTS. Testing of aircraft against these releases is strongly encouraged.
    4. Additional branches are created for subsequent releases from the original release branch (e.g. release/2022.1 -> release/2022.2)
    5. Fixes are merged into the release branch as well as "next"
    6. Further builds and release are generated until an LTS is declared (e.g release/2022.3).
    7. fgaddon is branched and a new catalog generated.


Version files

FGData
fgdata/version
SimGear
simgear/simgear-version
FlightGear
flightgear/flightgear-version

Bug tracking

The bugtracker is the primary source of bug reports. Unlike the forum or mailing list, bugs reported there will be tracked, making it easier for developers to keep up with them. When reporting bugs, it is best to provide as much information as possible to more easily find the bug. If you can provide a backtrace, please do so and attach it to the bug report. When creating backtraces, please use "thread apply all bt full" at the gdb command prompt.


Lessons learned

See Release plan/Lessons learned for a list of things that turned out well and should be kept for the next release as well as thing that didn't turn out so well and should be changed for future releases. Ideally, the release plan should be updated and augmented so that the lessons learned are incorporated accordingly.

Wiki articles that should be updated

See Category:Articles to be updated for each release

Related content

Mailing lists