OpenEdge ABL Formatter V0.4.5 Release Checklist

Preparing a new release of the OpenEdge ABL Formatter is a multi-step process that ensures a smooth and reliable experience for our users. This checklist outlines all the necessary tasks to get version 0.4.5 ready for distribution. Each step is crucial for maintaining quality and informing our community about the latest improvements.

Release Preparation Tasks

1. Create a New Task in Git for Release

Kick off the release process by creating a dedicated task in our Git repository. This task will serve as the central point for tracking progress and coordinating efforts related to the v0.4.5 release. A well-defined task ensures that all team members are aware of the release goals and their respective responsibilities.

Why is this important? Centralizing the release work in a Git task allows for better organization, easier tracking of progress, and clear assignment of responsibilities. It also facilitates communication among team members, ensuring that everyone is on the same page throughout the release cycle. Use clear and descriptive task names to avoid ambiguity and make it easy for anyone to understand the purpose of the task. Furthermore, Git tasks enable the use of features like comments and attachments to provide additional context and support collaboration. By following this step, we set a strong foundation for a successful release.

2. Create a Branch for Release Preparation

Once the task is created, establish a separate branch specifically for preparing the release. This branch isolates the changes related to the release from the ongoing development work, ensuring stability and preventing accidental introduction of new features or bugs. By creating a dedicated branch, you can work on the release-specific tasks without disrupting the main development workflow. This practice is essential for maintaining a clean and organized codebase. This is crucial for keeping the main development line stable and preventing any disruptions from release-specific changes. A dedicated branch ensures that all release-related modifications, such as version updates and documentation changes, are isolated and can be thoroughly tested before merging into the main branch.

Why is this important? Branching allows for parallel development, which is essential for maintaining agility and responsiveness. It enables the team to work on new features and bug fixes while simultaneously preparing the release, without interfering with each other's work. Git branching strategies are well-established and provide a robust framework for managing complex development workflows. By following a consistent branching strategy, we can minimize the risk of conflicts and ensure a smooth integration of changes. Moreover, branches provide a safety net, allowing us to revert changes if necessary without affecting the main codebase. Always ensure that the branch name is descriptive and follows a consistent naming convention to avoid confusion.

3. Update Version in package.json

Modify the version number in the package.json file to reflect the new release. Decide whether it's a small update (incrementing the patch version by 0.0.1) or a more significant one (incrementing the minor version by 0.1), based on the scope of changes included in the release. The version number should accurately reflect the changes made since the last release, helping users understand the magnitude of the update. An accurate version number helps users and package managers identify and manage dependencies correctly.

Why is this important? Keeping the version number accurate is essential for dependency management and compatibility. It ensures that users receive the correct updates and that their applications continue to function as expected. A well-managed versioning system enables developers to track changes, identify regressions, and manage dependencies effectively. Semantic Versioning (SemVer) is a widely adopted standard for versioning software packages. It provides a clear and consistent way to communicate the type and scope of changes in each release. By adhering to SemVer principles, we can ensure that our users can easily understand the impact of each update and make informed decisions about when and how to upgrade. Regularly updating the version number also helps maintain a clear history of changes, which is invaluable for debugging and maintenance.

4. Add Main Information to CHANGELOG.md

Document all significant changes, bug fixes, and new features included in the v0.4.5 release in the CHANGELOG.md file. Provide clear and concise descriptions of each change, making it easy for users to understand the impact of the update. A well-maintained changelog is a valuable resource for users, helping them stay informed about the latest improvements and bug fixes. It serves as a historical record of changes, providing transparency and accountability.

Why is this important? A changelog provides a clear and concise record of the changes made in each release, enabling users to understand the impact of the update and make informed decisions about upgrading. It also serves as a valuable resource for developers, helping them track changes, identify regressions, and understand the evolution of the project. A good changelog should include a brief description of each change, the issue it addresses (if applicable), and the contributor who made the change. It should be organized by release date, with the most recent release at the top. Furthermore, the changelog should be written in a clear and accessible language, avoiding technical jargon and focusing on the user's perspective. By maintaining a comprehensive changelog, we build trust with our users and demonstrate our commitment to transparency and quality.

5. Add Features to README.md (If Needed)

If the release includes new features or significant changes to existing ones, update the README.md file to reflect these changes. Provide clear and concise instructions on how to use the new features, along with examples and screenshots if necessary. An up-to-date README file is essential for helping new users get started with the OpenEdge ABL Formatter and for keeping existing users informed about the latest capabilities. It's the first point of contact for anyone interested in using the formatter.

Why is this important? The README file is the first point of contact for new users and provides a quick overview of the project's purpose, features, and usage instructions. It should be clear, concise, and easy to understand, even for those who are not familiar with the project. A well-written README can significantly improve the user experience and encourage adoption. It should include a brief introduction to the project, a list of key features, instructions on how to install and use the formatter, and links to additional resources, such as documentation and examples. If the release includes new features, the README should be updated to reflect these changes, providing clear instructions and examples. Keeping the README up-to-date ensures that users have access to the information they need to get started with the OpenEdge ABL Formatter.

6. Create VSIX with npm run package

Generate the VSIX package using the npm run package command. This package contains all the necessary files to install the OpenEdge ABL Formatter in Visual Studio Code. The VSIX package is the primary means of distributing the formatter to users. The VSIX package simplifies the installation process, allowing users to quickly and easily add the formatter to their development environment.

Why is this important? The VSIX package is the standard way to distribute Visual Studio Code extensions. It bundles all the necessary files and dependencies into a single package, making it easy for users to install and manage the extension. The npm run package command automates the process of creating the VSIX package, ensuring that all the required files are included and that the package is properly formatted. This command typically uses tools like vsce (Visual Studio Code Extension Manager) to package the extension. By using npm run package, we can streamline the release process and ensure that the VSIX package is created consistently and reliably.

7. Test Every Done Task on Windows (From Created VSIX)

Thoroughly test all implemented features and bug fixes on a Windows environment using the newly created VSIX package. This step ensures that the OpenEdge ABL Formatter functions correctly on the most widely used operating system for OpenEdge ABL development. Testing on Windows helps identify and resolve any platform-specific issues that may arise. Comprehensive testing is crucial for ensuring a high-quality user experience.

Why is this important? Windows is the most popular operating system for OpenEdge ABL development, so it's essential to ensure that the OpenEdge ABL Formatter works flawlessly on this platform. Thorough testing on Windows can uncover platform-specific issues that may not be apparent on other operating systems. This includes testing the installation process, the formatting functionality, and any other features that are specific to the Windows environment. By performing comprehensive testing on Windows, we can ensure that our users have a seamless and reliable experience, regardless of their operating system. Automated testing tools can be used to streamline the testing process and ensure that all critical features are tested consistently.

8. Change Task Statuses to "Ready for Release"

Update the status of each completed task in the Git repository to "Ready for Release". This indicates that the task has been thoroughly tested and is ready to be included in the v0.4.5 release. Updating task statuses provides a clear overview of the release progress and helps identify any remaining tasks. Clear task statuses ensure that all team members are aware of the release readiness.

Why is this important? Updating task statuses provides a clear and concise overview of the release progress, allowing team members to quickly identify which tasks have been completed and which are still in progress. This helps to streamline the release process and prevent any delays or bottlenecks. Clear task statuses also facilitate communication and collaboration among team members, ensuring that everyone is on the same page. Furthermore, accurate task statuses provide valuable data for tracking the team's performance and identifying areas for improvement. By consistently updating task statuses, we can maintain a high level of transparency and accountability throughout the release cycle.

9. Upload to Marketplaces (marketplace.visualstudio.com, open-vsx.org)

Publish the VSIX package to the Visual Studio Code Marketplace and the Open VSX Registry. This makes the OpenEdge ABL Formatter available to a wide audience of developers. Publishing to marketplaces increases the visibility and accessibility of the formatter, making it easier for users to discover and install.

Why is this important? Publishing to marketplaces makes the OpenEdge ABL Formatter accessible to a wide audience of developers, increasing its visibility and adoption. The Visual Studio Code Marketplace is the primary source for extensions, while the Open VSX Registry provides an open and vendor-neutral alternative. By publishing to both marketplaces, we can maximize the reach of our formatter and ensure that it is available to users regardless of their preferred environment. The publishing process typically involves creating an account on each marketplace, uploading the VSIX package, and providing a description of the formatter. It's important to follow the guidelines and policies of each marketplace to ensure that the publication is successful.

10. Test from Marketplaces

After publishing, download and test the OpenEdge ABL Formatter directly from the marketplaces to ensure that the installation process works correctly and that the formatter functions as expected. This step verifies that the published version is identical to the tested version and that there are no issues with the distribution process. Testing from marketplaces ensures a seamless installation experience for users.

Why is this important? Testing the OpenEdge ABL Formatter from the marketplaces ensures that the installation process works correctly and that the published version is identical to the tested version. This step is crucial for verifying that there are no issues with the distribution process and that users can successfully install and use the formatter. It also helps to identify any potential problems with the marketplace listing, such as incorrect descriptions or broken links. By testing from marketplaces, we can ensure that our users have a seamless and reliable installation experience and that the formatter functions as expected after installation. This step should be performed on multiple platforms and with different versions of Visual Studio Code to ensure compatibility.

11. Merge Release Branch to develop

Merge the release preparation branch into the develop branch. This integrates the changes made for the v0.4.5 release into the main development line. Merging to develop ensures that the latest changes are included in the ongoing development efforts.

Why is this important? Merging the release branch to the develop branch integrates the changes made for the v0.4.5 release into the main development line. This ensures that the latest bug fixes and improvements are included in the ongoing development efforts and that future releases will benefit from these changes. It also allows the team to continue working on new features and improvements without being blocked by the release process. Before merging, it's important to resolve any conflicts that may arise between the release branch and the develop branch. This can be done using Git's merge tools or by manually editing the conflicting files. After merging, it's recommended to run a series of tests to ensure that the changes have been integrated correctly and that there are no regressions.

12. Merge develop to main

Merge the develop branch into the main branch. This makes the v0.4.5 release the official version of the OpenEdge ABL Formatter. Merging to main signifies the completion of the release process and makes the new version available to all users.

Why is this important? Merging the develop branch into the main branch makes the v0.4.5 release the official version of the OpenEdge ABL Formatter. This signifies the completion of the release process and makes the new version available to all users. The main branch should always reflect the latest stable release of the project. Before merging, it's important to ensure that the develop branch has been thoroughly tested and that there are no known issues. It's also recommended to create a backup of the main branch before merging, in case any problems arise. After merging, it's crucial to update any documentation or websites that refer to the latest version of the OpenEdge ABL Formatter.

13. Close Finished Tasks and Notify External Stakeholders

Close all completed tasks in the Project Board and notify external stakeholders, especially those who created tickets, about the release. This ensures that everyone is informed about the successful release and that their issues have been addressed. Clear communication keeps stakeholders engaged and informed.

Why is this important? Closing finished tasks in the Project Board helps to keep the project organized and up-to-date. It provides a clear record of what has been accomplished and makes it easier to track the overall progress of the project. Notifying external stakeholders, especially those who created tickets, about the release is a crucial step in maintaining good relationships and building trust. It shows that their issues have been addressed and that their feedback is valued. The notification should include a brief summary of the changes included in the release and a link to the changelog for more details. It's also a good opportunity to thank stakeholders for their contributions and to solicit feedback on the new release.

14. Create Github Tag and Release

Create a Github tag and release for v0.4.5, targeting the main branch. This creates a permanent record of the release and makes it easy for users to download the specific version. Github tags and releases provide a convenient way to manage and distribute different versions of the OpenEdge ABL Formatter.

Why is this important? Creating a Github tag and release for v0.4.5 creates a permanent record of the release and makes it easy for users to download the specific version. Github tags are lightweight pointers to specific commits in the repository, while Github releases provide a way to package and distribute the release artifacts, such as the VSIX package. The release notes should include a summary of the changes included in the release and a link to the changelog for more details. It's also a good opportunity to thank contributors and to solicit feedback on the new release. By creating a Github tag and release, we can ensure that our users have easy access to the specific version of the OpenEdge ABL Formatter that they need.

15. Close Milestone

Close the milestone associated with the v0.4.5 release. This marks the completion of the release cycle and helps to keep the project organized. Closing milestones provides a clear indication of the team's progress and helps to plan future releases.

Why is this important? Closing the milestone associated with the v0.4.5 release marks the completion of the release cycle and helps to keep the project organized. It provides a clear indication of the team's progress and makes it easier to plan future releases. Milestones can be used to track the progress of a set of related tasks and to ensure that all the necessary steps are completed before the release. Closing a milestone signifies that all the tasks associated with the release have been completed and that the release is ready to be deployed. This helps to maintain a clear and consistent workflow and to ensure that the project stays on track.

By following this comprehensive checklist, we can ensure a smooth and successful release of the OpenEdge ABL Formatter v0.4.5, providing our users with a reliable and up-to-date tool for their development needs.

For more information on Git branching strategies, visit this Atlassian tutorial.