In the world of software development, a well-structured release process can be a game-changer. It ensures that code changes are rolled out smoothly, without hiccups, and helps in maintaining a clear version history. If you're looking for an efficient release process, here's a simplified workflow to consider:
Start by creating a release branch following a specific naming format. This branch is where all the release-related changes will be made. For example, if your release version is 1.18, the branch name could be releases-v118. You can easily create this branch via the GitHub UI.
The heart of the release process lies in preparing a Pull Request (PR) against the release branch. This PR will contain all the necessary changes for the upcoming release:
version.txt file, update the version from something like 1.18.0a1 to 1.18.0. This change ensures that your software version is accurately reflected.CHANGELOG.md file, make the following changes:
Create a commit with a clear message such as 'Cut release v1.18.0', and create a PR for this change. A descriptive commit message helps team members understand the purpose of this change.
Once the PR is created, it will go through the usual review and approval process. Ensure that all these PRs land successfully, as they are pivotal for a smooth release.
Next, create a new Application Services release in Ship-It, which is your release management tool. This tool streamlines the deployment process and automates various release-related tasks, saving time and reducing human error.
Tag the release in your Application Services repository. Tagging is crucial for version control and tracking, making it easy to identify the specific release that's currently in use.
Notify the Application Services team about the readiness of the release. This will prompt them to start their release process, ensuring the necessary resources and support are allocated to cut a release of 'rust-components-swift'.
Lastly, remember to update your consumer applications to accommodate the new release. Keep your stakeholders informed about the changes and guide them on how to update their systems accordingly.
Incorporating these steps into your release process workflow can help streamline the process and reduce the likelihood of errors. It promotes a clear and structured approach to version management, enhancing collaboration within your development team and ensuring that consumers of your software stay up to date with the latest features and improvements.