Re: [boost] Feedback requested: Demo build server

From: John Maddock (john_at_[hidden])
Date: 2007-09-14 07:46:22

Jason Sankey wrote:
> 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.

Definitely.

> 2) What important features you think are currently missing.

I found navigation a tad tricky at first: it would be useful if I could get 
to "all the failures for library X" in the last build directly and easily. 
As it is I had to drill down into the detail report and then scroll through 
until I found what I was after.  Or maybe I'm missing something obvious? :-)

Can you explain more about the "My Builds" page and what it offers, as it 
looks interesting?

Nice work, John Maddock.