Re: [boost] [admin] Release schedule proposal

From: David Abrahams (dave_at_[hidden])
Date: 2007-08-23 12:12:24

on Thu Aug 23 2007, Beman Dawes <bdawes-AT-acm.org> wrote:

> Proposal
> --------
>
> * Quarterly release schedule, with the target release date the 15th of 
> the first month of each quarter.
>
> * If a release is late, that does not slip the date of the next 
> quarter's release.
>
> * If something isn't ready for the current release, it is simply held 
> until the next release. The current release is not delayed.
>
> * Being ready means being ready by the cutoff date set by the release 
> manager. That will be relative early in the release cycle.

I would like to add that it means having all necessary documentation
in place.  A library whose code is ready but whose documentation is
not complete and up-to-date is not ready.

> Rationale
> ---------
>
> Regular releases that occur on a predictable schedule have many benefits:
>
> * Developers know far in advance when library updates must be ready, and 
> that's both an aid to planning and a motivation to get stuff done.
>
> * Users know far in advance when library updates will be ready, and that 
> helps their planning and reassures them of continuing support.
>
> * Regularity creates a sense of quality and trust in Boost for both 
> developers and users.
>
> Quarterly releases seem about right:
>
> * It's often enough that the process will become smooth.
>
> * It's often enough that developers won't feel pressure to release 
> immature updates.
>
> * It's often enough that users will feel bug fixes and new libraries are 
> being released on a timely basis.
>
> * It isn't so often that users will view Boost as unstable, particularly 
> given the predictable schedule.
>
> * It isn't so often that developers and release managers will become 
> fatigued.
>
> * A quarterly (or similar) schedule has been very successful for both 
> open source and commercial projects.
>
> Comments? The rationale depends a lot on my personal experiences, but I 
> don't see that as a bad thing.

Looks good to me.

-- 
Dave Abrahams
Boost Consulting
http://www.boost-consulting.com
The Astoria Seminar ==> http://www.astoriaseminar.com