Re: [boost] Feedback requested: Demo build server

From: David Abrahams (dave_at_[hidden])
Date: 2007-09-24 14:11:53

on Fri Sep 14 2007, Jason Sankey <jason-AT-zutubi.com> 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).

Very cool to see it working.  Sorry it's taken me so long to respond.

> 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.

Right.

> 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.

I don't know how you're invoking the build, but if you're using
regression.py, there is an --incremental flag you can pass that avoids
rebuilding things whose dependencies haven't changed.

> 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.

Oh, that is awesome!  I chose a different user name from my svn name,
but then added an alias.  Will that work?

> 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 worth continuing with.  I don't think it's useful yet, but
if you continue it will be.

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

Integration with the XML failure markup is the most crucial thing.

> 3) How some of the errors/failing tests can be resolved.

Not connected to the 'net as I write this; I might be able to look
later.

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