openflexure-microscope-server/.gitlab/issue_templates/Release checklist.md
Beth Probert f128caedff Apply suggestions from code review of branch 569-release-checklist
Co-authored-by: Julian Stirling <julian@julianstirling.co.uk>
2025-11-12 11:10:44 +00:00

89 lines
4.1 KiB
Markdown

## Release Checklist: vX.Y.Z
This checklist tracks the process for releasing version **vX.Y.Z** of the OpenFlexure Microscope Server.
---
### 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).
---
### Phase 2: Feature Freeze (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.
* [ ] **Branch:** Create a `release/vX.Y.Z` branch from `main`.
* *From this point, only bug fixes (regressions) are merged into this branch.*
* [ ] **Communication:** Inform the team that all new feature work should target the *next* milestone.
---
### Phase 3: Testing & Qualification (T-1 Week)
This phase is dedicated to intensive testing and bug fixing on the `release/vX.Y.Z` branch.
* [ ] **Create Image:** Flash at least one SD card with the new image.
* [ ] **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 (we probably need a bit of detail here RE slides)
* [ ] 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)
---
### Phase 4: Release Day (T-0)
* [ ] **Final Version Bump:**
* [ ] **Server Package:** Update version number (add specific files).
* [ ] **Stitching Package:** Update version number (add specific files).
* [ ] Commit and merge the final version bumps into the `release/vX.Y.Z` branch.
* [ ] **Final Build:** Generate the final, official release image from the `release/vX.Y.Z` branch.
* [ ] **Draft Notes:** Draft the release notes and forum post.
* [ ] **Merge:** Merge the `release/vX.Y.Z` branch into `main`.
* [ ] **Tag:** Create a new Git tag on `main` (e.g., `vX.Y.Z`).
* [ ] **Publish:**
* [ ] Push the tag to GitLab.
* [ ] Publish new versions of software sub-packages, such as openflexure-stitching, on PyPi.
* [ ] Create a new **GitLab Release** from the tag.
* [ ] Upload the final release image and other artifacts to the GitLab Release.
* [ ] Paste the release notes into the GitLab Release description.
---
### 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!**