openflexure-microscope-server/.gitlab/issue_templates/Release checklist.md
Julian Stirling c150c07b83 Apply suggestions from code review of branch release-checklist-update
Co-authored-by: Beth Probert <beth_probert@outlook.com>
2026-02-19 11:29:50 +00:00

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## Release Checklist: vX.Y.Z
This checklist tracks the process for releasing version **vX.Y.Z** of the OpenFlexure Microscope Server.
---
### 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.
---
### 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.
* Feature Freeze - **_NOT SET_**
* Release - **_NOT SET_**
---
### Phase 2: Feature Freeze And Upstream Releases (T-2 Weeks)
**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.
* [ ] **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
* [ ] Final OS changes merged
* [ ] **Communication:** Inform the team that all new feature work should target the *next* milestone.
* [ ] **Final Server Repo Commit:** Create a (hopefully) final commit to the server before building the OS with the new version and updated changelog. This commit should include the following:
* [ ] 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 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
---
### 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 Release Test Plan:** Document the specific tests to be run on top of the default. *Add items in section below*
* [ ] **Execute Release Test Plan:**
* [ ] **_Add_**
* [ ] **_items_**
* [ ] **_here_**
* [ ] **Execute Standard 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
* [ ] **Capture bugs, Triage and Repeat:** *Check-off once no more bugs are found in testing.*
* **Record all bugs found (here and in issues)**
* _Describe bugs here (#issue-number)_
* **_If needed_ - Add any showstopper bugs or major regressions to milestone**
* [ ] Fix these bugs
* [ ] Update server changelog!
* [ ] Build new image
* [ ] Clear testing checklist and this checklist, and start testing again!
---
### 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 OS release notes
* [ ] Combined server and OS summary for the forum
* [ ] **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 Server *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)
---
### 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!**