[Python-Dev] RFC: trunk checkins between now and 2.5 final

[Anthony Baxter]

This is a request for comments - this is my current thinking on a 
policy for checkins to the trunk between now and the release of 2.5 
final. 

----

Now that we're in beta:

If you don't add an entry to Misc/NEWS, a test (if relevant or 
possible) and docs (if relevant), the checkin is probably going to 
get reverted. This continues through the release candidate stages.
I mean it about Misc/NEWS, too. Every change to the code gets a NEWS 
entry.

If it adds a feature in beta, and you didn't get signoff first, it's 
going to get treated as a revert candidate. People like myself or 
Neal shouldn't have to run after you to review the patch after it's 
in SVN. 

If a checkin breaks the buildbots, unless the bug is very shallow and 
it's easier for someone of us to fix than revert, it's going to get a 
little set of three red dots on it's forehead ala Predator.

Once we hit release candidate 1, the trunk gets branched to 
release25-maint. 

On release25-maint, between rc1 and 2.5 final:

If you checkin to that branch, get signoff first. This is regardless 
of whether it's bugfix or feature. The checkin is going to get the 
big revert cannon targetting it, otherwise.

If you need to go round one of these things, get signoff (in public!) 
first, or else if not in public, mention the signoff in the commit 
message. Preferably in public, though.

Once 2.5 final is out, the normal maintenance branch guidelines come 
into effect for release25-maint. That is, bugfixes only. This is all 
documented in PEP-0008.

A few notes on rationale for my being such a pain in the backside 
about this:

Now that we're in beta, we should be spending the time nailing down 
bugs. Every feature added has the potential to add bugs - in 
addition, other people are going to have to review that change to 
make sure it's sane. There's only so many mental cycles to go around, 
and they should be spent on fixing existing bugs, not creating new 
ones <wink>.

Once we're in RC, we're going to really, really want to ratchet up the 
quality meter. 

Between Neal and myself we have a fair amount of timezone coverage, so 
you should be able to get hold of one of us easily enough. My contact 
details (including all manner of instant messenger type things) are 
also pretty easy to find, they've been posted here a number of times 
before. 
----

Anyway, this is the current thinking. Am I being too dogmatic here? 
Comments solicited.

As far as people to sign off on things, Neal, myself or Guido should 
be the ones to do it. Course, Guido will probably decide he doesn't 
want this dubious honour <wink>.

Anthony