[Python-Dev] Re: Bug fix releases
Guido van Rossum
guido@digicool.com
Sat, 03 Mar 2001 14:44:19 -0500
> Guido van Rossum writes:
> > I wonder, does that extend to new library modules? Is there also
> > resistance against the growth there? I don't think so -- if anything,
> > people are clamoring for more stuff to become standard (while at the
>
> There is still the issue of name clashes; introducing a new module
> in the top-level namespace introduces a potential conflict with
> someone's application-specific modules. This is a good reason for us
> to get the standard library packagized sooner rather than later
> (although this would have to be part of a "feature" release;).
But of course the library repackaging in itself would cause enormous
outcries, because in a very real sense it *does* break code.
> > Wait a minute! Now you're making it too complicated. Betas of bugfix
> > releases? That seems to defeat the purpose. What kind of
>
> Betas of the bugfix releases are important -- portability testing is
> fairly difficult to do when all we have are Windows and Linux/x86
> boxes. There's definately a need for at least one beta. We probably
> don't need to lengthy, multi-phase alpha/alpha/beta/beta/candidate
> cycle we're using for feature releases now.
OK, you can have *one* beta. That's it.
> > It's not too late, as I mentioned. We'll also do this for 2.1.
>
> Managing the bugfix releases would also be an excellent task for
> someone who's expecting to use the bugfix releases more than the
> feature releases -- the mentality has to be right for the task. I
> know I'm much more of a "features" person, and would have a hard time
> not crossing the line if it were up to me what went into a bugfix
> release.
That's how all of us here at PythonLabs are feeling... I feel a
community task coming. I'll bless a 2.0.1 release and the general
idea of bugfix releases, but doing the grunt work won't be a
PythonLabs task. Someone else inside or outside Python-dev will have
to do some work. Aahz?
> > BTW, See you at the conference!
>
> If we don't get snowed in!
Good point. East coasters flying to LA on Monday, watch your weather
forecast!
--Guido van Rossum (home page: http://www.python.org/~guido/)