Re: [boost] trunk vs release

Subject: Re: [boost] trunk vs release
From: John Phillips (phillips_at_[hidden])
Date: 2009-05-21 20:36:43

Robert Ramey wrote:
> 
> Here's the scenario.
> 
> a) I make a breaking change to serialization.
> b) after testing in the trunk - I merge into the release queue
> c) MPI tests start to break.
> d) I get an email from the MPI authors which starts Dear $#$#%$%$&$^*%^*
> e) Haggling involving me, the MPI authors and perhaps the release manager
> result in one of the following:
>     i) backing out changes in the serializaiton library
>    ii) MPI authors accomodating the change.
> 
> Robert Ramey
> 

   I suggest a slight variation on this.

a) Make breaking changes to Serialization
b) Testing the changed Serialization against the release branch shows 
that it would break MPI, so it is not merged to release, yet
c) Polite conversation with MPI authors tries to convince them that the 
new version serves their needs even better than before (or whatever else 
it takes to get them to modify)
d) MPI authors modify, and testing system allows you to test the 
combination of new Serialization and new MPI against release branch
e) Tests are all green, so new versions roll in together

   I understand that building a test system that could accomidate this 
is not going to be easy, but it would minimize the need for focused 
testing of the release branch, and within oddities should keep release 
in a clean state. It also reduces the chance for - you broke my tests 
contentions.

                        John