openflexure-microscope-server/.gitlab/issue_templates/Release checklist.md

Release Checklist: vX.Y.Z

This checklist tracks the process for releasing version vX.Y.Z of the OpenFlexure Microscope Server.

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Branching Strategy (as of v3 development)

The current branching strategy is for alpha and beta development of v3. There is an issue open (#606) to discuss branching beyond v3.

• The default branch is called v3.
• Feature branches are made from v3 and merged back into v3.
• We do not make a new release branch.
• We still perform a feature freeze before release.
• We still tag each release and post it on the forum.
• We do not rename the v3 branch or create additional long-lived branches for releases.

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Phase 1: Preparation (T-6 Weeks minimum)

This phase focuses on planning the release and, crucially, getting any major infrastructure or build system changes merged before the feature freeze.

• **Prepare: **Create the Server vX.Y.Z/Server vX.Y.Z-(alpha|beta)A milestone in GitLab at organisation level, and create an issue with this template.
• Define Scope: Tag all intended Issues and feature MRs with it. This is often done in a planning meeting with the core team. Issues and MRs should be tagged in:
  • Server repo
  • Stitching repo
  • OS customiser repo
  • OFM CLI tools
• Define upstream versions: Does this release depend on a major dependency change (such as new LabThings version)? If so these must have issues.
• Schedule: Set and announce the Feature Freeze and Release Date. Feature freeze should be at least 2 weeks before the release date.
• Build System: Deadline: All build system MRs must be merged and tested. (This should happen as early as possible in the cycle).

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Phase 2: Feature Freeze And Upstream Releases (T-2 Weeks)

• Announce: Announce the Feature Freeze deadline one week out. This should be announced on the OpenFlexure Forum and in a message/email to the core team.
• Deadline: FEATURE FREEZE. All MRs for the milestone must be merged.
• Deadline: UPSTREAM RELEASES. Any of our repos/packages upstream of the OS and server should have a defined release, for this release to target.
  • Stitching Released
• Branching Note: During alpha and beta development, feature freeze marks the point where only bug fixes and release preparation may be merged into the default branch.
• Communication: Inform the team that all new feature work should target the next milestone.

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Phase 3: Testing & Qualification (T-1 Week)

This phase is dedicated to intensive testing and bug fixing.

• Create Image: Flash at least one SD card with the new image. This image should be created off the default branch.
• Create Test Plan: Document the specific tests to be run.
• Execute Test Plan:
  • Camera Calibration
    • Picamera v2
    • Picamera HQ
  • Camera Stage Mapping
    • v7 Microscope
    • Simulation
  • Movement
    • v7 Microscope
    • Simulation
  • Autofocus
    • v7 Microscope
    • Simulation
  • Smart Scan + stitching
    • v7 Microscope
      • At least 2 different H&E stained slides
      • A blue stained biology slide, such as a wheat stem
    • Simulation
  • Recentre and ROM (v7 Microscope only)
  • Opening each tab and sub-tab and checking things look as expected
    • v7 Microscope
    • Simulation
    • Manual
• Triage: Triage all bugs found. Fix any release-blocking bugs.
• Repeat: Re-build image and re-test as bugs are fixed. Update release date if absolutely necessary. (Optional)

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Phase 4: Release Day (T-0)

By this stage:

• All upstream packages are released.

• We will release the exact image used for testing.

• Draft Notes: Draft the release notes for:

  • High level summary for the sever release notes/changelog
  • High level summary for the OS release notes
  • Combined summary for the forum

• Final Server Repo Commit:

  • Update version string in:
    • pyproject.toml
    • test_version_strings.py
    • package.json
    • package-lock.json (in 2 places!)
  • Create CHANGELOG entry
    • Add a title that is a link to the GitLab compare between the last release tag and this soon-to-be-made tag.
    • Add the a high level summary of the server changes
    • Run changelog helper to generate the list of MRs since the last tag python change_log_helper.py -b v3 <LAST-TAG-NAME> and copy these in below the summary.
    • Run codespell on the changelog and use <!-- codespell:ignore XYZ --> to silence codespell on any spelling errors in MR titles.
  • Commit, Push, and Merge

• Release:

  • On build.openflexure.org copy the image that passed testing from /raspbian-openflexure/testing/ to /raspbian-openflexure/v3_pre_release/.
  • OS RELEASE
    • Go to the OS Customiser Releases page on GitLab and select New Release
    • Create a new Tag Name in the format vX.Y.Z or vX.Y.Z-(alpha|beta)A
    • Important! Enter a simple description into the create tag dialog, or GitLab only creates a lightweight tag. Release for vX.Y.Z-(alpha|beta)A is minimal and can be used. Check it is targeted at the correct branch, and save the tag.
    • Copy in the High level summary for the OS into release notes
    • Enter the URL to the OS image into the box at the bottom. with "Link Title" as SD Card Image.
    • Create the release (This will create the tag)
  • SERVER RELEASE
    • Go to the Sever Releases page on GitLab and select New Release
    • Create a new Tag Name in the format vX.Y.Z or vX.Y.Z-(alpha|beta)A
    • Important! Enter a simple description into the create tag dialog, or GitLab only creates a lightweight tag. Release for vX.Y.Z-(alpha|beta)A is minimal and can be used. Check it is targeted at the correct branch, and save the tag.
    • Copy in the relevant section from the CHANGELOG
    • Enter the URL to the OS image into the box at the bottom. with "Link Title" as SD Card Image.
    • Create the release (This will create the tag)

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Phase 5: Post-Release

• Communicate: Publish the release announcement on the OpenFlexure forum.
• Announce: Share the forum post on other relevant channels (e.g., LinkedIn, Emailing Collaborators).
• Close: Close this issue and the corresponding GitLab Milestone.
• Celebrate!