2024-12-02 BTR Meeting Minutes

Newsfeed

Redwood retrospective action items follow-up

• https://github.com/openedx/wg-build-test-release/labels/retrospective

Sumac

• sumac.1 ~ 2024-12-09

  • Release blockers

    • Build-Test-Release Working Group • openedx

  • Process overview

    • Testing process - @Peter Pinch @Andrés González

      • Ongoing work

      • Red flags, risks, and concerns

      • Call for help

    • New features testing - @Chelsea Rathbun

      • Ongoing work

      • Red flags, risks, and concerns

      • Call for help

    • Release management - @Maksim Sokolskiy @Farhaan Bukhsh

      • Ongoing work

      • Red flags, risks, and concerns

      • Call for help

    • Release documentation - @Chris Patti

      • Ongoing work

      • Red flags, risks, and concerns

      • Call for help

    • Debugging - @Maria Grimaldi

      • Ongoing work

      • Release blockers

      • Call for help

1. Release Blockers

• Programs URL in Header:

  • The issue with configuring the programs URL in the learner dashboard header has been resolved. A new environment configuration option has been introduced.

  • The fix is merged into the master branch, but a backport PR may still be needed to include it in the Sumac release.

  • Team emphasized the importance of documenting this update in the release notes to inform users about its behavior and configuration.

• Release Notes Issue:

  • The docs build problem caused by Sphinx checking dummy URLs has been fixed. Farhaan clarified the root cause and confirmed the fix applies to both master and Sumac branches.

  • However, automating the generation of waffle flags and other settings changes for inclusion in the release notes remains unresolved.

  • Chris plans to address this after returning from Thanksgiving break, with Maria offering additional support.

  • The team discussed the criticality of this section in the release notes. Maria will follow up with Chris to provide help if needed.

• New Sidebar Navigation:

  • Discussions focused on whether to enable the new left sidebar navigation by default for users upgrading from Redwood.

    • Current behavior: Existing installations must manually enable the feature.

    • Proposed change: Automatically enable the feature for upgraded users while maintaining a fallback option to disable it.

  • Concerns:

    • Potentially overriding intentional configurations by users who previously disabled the feature.

    • Ensuring proper communication in the release notes about this change and the eventual deprecation of the legacy navigation.

  • Action items:

    • Add a manual upgrade command to enable the feature as a transitional measure.

    • Prepare a deprecation notice for the legacy navigation, targeting removal in an upcoming release.

• Forums v2:

  • The new discussion forums feature, which transitions from MongoDB to MySQL, is ready for inclusion in Sumac.

  • Testing in the sandbox has been successful. Pending merge conflicts on related PRs are expected to be resolved within the week.

  • For existing installations, forums will remain on MongoDB for now, with MySQL used only for new installations.

2. Testing Process

• Progress Update:

  • Completion rate: 83.9%.

  • Some tests are unassigned or pending setup for specific configurations (e.g., single sign-on).

  • Maria volunteered to handle single sign-on tests; Andrés and Adolfo to assist with other pending tests.

• Sandbox Issues:

  • Outline generation failing for demo courses; root cause investigation underway.

  • This is a high-priority issue as it blocks further testing.

• Mobile Testing:

  • Discussions on including mobile application-related tests; a sandbox for mobile is available.

3. New Features Testing

• Plugin Slots:

  • Header updates verified; plugin slots are ready for testing in the sandbox.

  • Coordination with plugin maintainers needed to finalize integration.

4. Release Management

• Forums v2:

  • Ready for inclusion in Sumac; pending resolution of merge conflicts for final PRs.

  • No blockers anticipated.

• Tagging Responsibility:

  • Farhaan confirmed readiness to handle tagging for the release.

5. Debugging

• Prioritization:

  • High-priority issues reviewed; prioritization to be finalized by Chelsea and Jenna.

  • Ongoing triage to identify additional potential release blockers.

Next Steps

• Testing and Bug Fixes:

  • Team members to pick up unassigned tests and high-priority issues.

  • Additional tests to be coordinated across teams for better coverage.

• Follow-Up Meeting:

  • Scheduled for Thursday, December 5, 2024, to review progress and remaining blockers.