[boost] Feedback requested: Demo build server

From: Jason Sankey (jason_at_[hidden])
Date: 2007-09-14 06:25:58

Hi all,

You may have noticed the discussion going on re: developer feedback 
systems.  As part of this I have just started setting up a demo build 
server at:

http://pulse.zutubi.com/

At this stage it is an early demonstration of the server (Pulse) 
building the boost trunk.  There is only one machine, but for 
illustration purposes I am running both the master and one agent on it. 
  This shows the ability to build on multiple agents in parallel (to 
test the different OS/compiler combos).  In this case I am testing two 
different gcc versions (the easiest to setup for the demo).

You will notice that the build fails, with both a bunch of errors coming 
out and test failures.  This isn't so bad for the demo since it shows 
how these things are reported.  In reality work would need to be done to 
either fix the problems or have Pulse recognise them as expected failures.

You might also notice the Pulse is kicking off a build when it detects 
any change, and shows the change information (also linked to Trac for 
diff views etc).  This should keep the machine busy, since a build takes 
over 2 hours (partly because two builds are running in parallel, but 
mostly just because the build takes that long).  Perhaps there is a 
shorted build/test cycle that should be run on every change for faster 
feedback.

On the subject of feedback, you may also want to try creating an account 
so you can log in.  Just click the login link (top right corner) and you 
will see a link to sign up.  It is best to choose your user name to 
match your Subversion user name, as then Pulse can tell which changes 
are yours.  Once signed up you get a dashboard view along with 
preferences that allow you to sign up for email notifications.

It would be great if people could take a look and let me know:

1) If you think this is useful and worth continuing with.
2) What important features you think are currently missing.
3) How some of the errors/failing tests can be resolved.

Thanks,
Jason