1) To contribute a patch to the most recent version of the BIRT source do
we check out
the source from the Head? For example, /cvsroot/birt > HEAD >
source?
or
Should we check it out from /cvsroot/birt > Versions > source
> source BIRT_2_2_X latest?
[wli] Please check out the HEAD version.
2) How can I contribute a patch to an already released version of BIRT, or
a release candidate of BIRT?
For instance, for a bug that has been fixed in 2.2, but exists in 2.1.1 and
2.1.2 which version of BIRT do we check out and create a patch for? Can
patches be back ported? If so, how?
[wli]
Bugs can be backported to previous release streams. release stream is
created for each 2nd digit release. For example 2.1.x release stream,
2.2.x release streams. It is possible to back port bug fixed in 2.2
to 2.1.2 but not 2.1.1, since the latest release vehicle for the 2.1.x stream is
2.1.2. However, such back port will also depends on the risk and
scope of changes on the code base. The committer for the related component
will evaluate the risk of back porting a bug. When a committer
decide to backport a bug, he/she will check into that target release CVS
stream, and update the tag and map files to include the fix in next build on
that stream (the 2.1.2 stream for example).
3) When contributing a patch, is it necessary to note in the bugzilla entry
which version of BIRT the patch was created from? (Especially in the case
above.)
[wli]
yes, please set the target milestone to that release, and if the fix is for
multiple release, please set the target release to the latest one, but also put
in comment all release stream that needs this fix.
4) Is it a requirement to run all JUnit tests against any patch
submitted? Against some patches?
How is this determined?
[wli]
It is recommended to test as much as you can with you patch. But the
committer(s) who reviews and checks in the patch will also run the unit tests
he/she has before check in. Frequently, they might also revise the patch
before check in.
Wenfeng