NAMEX API Pre-Release Checklist For Copy Of Names Release 25.7
This document outlines the pre-release checklist for the Copy of Names Release 25.7, specifically focusing on the NAMEX API. This checklist is designed to ensure a smooth and successful transition to production. Following these steps meticulously helps minimize potential issues and ensures the stability and reliability of the NAMEX API.
Pre-Release Checklist
Before deploying the NAMEX API to production, the following steps must be completed or confirmed:
- [x] Add release number to this ticket: This ensures proper tracking and referencing of the release throughout the process.
- [x] Update version numbers: Update version numbers in the code being released and list them here:
- Current: 1.2.56
- NAMEX API: v1.2.62
- [ ] Deployment steps: Ensure deployment steps are filled in, removing or replacing any placeholders. Clear and concise deployment steps are crucial for a successful release.
- [ ] Create a draft release in GitHub:
- [ ] Confirm correct commits: Verify that the draft release in GitHub includes the correct commits related to this release. This step is critical for ensuring all intended changes are included.
- [ ] Select appropriate target: Choose the appropriate target, which represents the build in the Test environment. This can be a recent commit or a reference to a branch.
- [ ] Autogenerate release notes: Use the last release tag as a point of reference to autogenerate release notes. Manually update the change list if required to ensure accuracy and completeness.
- [ ] Dev to ensure commit list is represented on the release report: This ensures that the release report accurately reflects the changes included in the release.
- [ ] QA to schedule the release: QA should schedule the release with staff or clients, preferably during daytime hours or when staff are available for rollback if necessary. Proper scheduling minimizes disruption and allows for timely intervention.
- [ ] All dev/test pipeline test suites green: Ensure all test suites in the development and test pipelines have passed successfully. This indicates the stability and reliability of the codebase.
- [ ] Dev/QA chat to plan prod verification testing: Development and QA teams should collaborate to plan production verification testing, unless already automated. This ensures comprehensive testing in the production environment.
- [ ] Post message to #registries-entities: Before the release, post a message in the #registries-entities channel to notify the team that projects are being deployed to production.
- [ ] Release the code to production and complete smoke test (STEPS BELOW): Deploy the code to the production environment and perform smoke tests to ensure basic functionality is working as expected.
- [ ] Post message to #registries-entities and #entities-ops: After the release, post a message in both the #registries-entities and #entities-ops channels to inform the teams that the projects have been deployed.
- [ ] Finalize/publish the release in GitHub, tagging it: Finalize the release in GitHub by publishing it and tagging it appropriately. This ensures proper version control and traceability.
- [ ] Merge release branch back to master (if applicable): If a release branch was used, merge it back into the master branch after the release.
- [ ] Revert to the previous version (if applicable): If any issues arise during or after the release, be prepared to revert to the previous version. Having a rollback plan is crucial for mitigating risks.
Importance of Thorough Pre-Release Checks
The pre-release checklist serves as a comprehensive guide to ensure that all necessary steps are taken before deploying the NAMEX API to the production environment. Thoroughly completing this checklist helps identify potential issues early, minimizing the risk of disruptions and ensuring a smooth transition. Each step plays a critical role in maintaining the stability and reliability of the system. From verifying code versions to confirming test suite results, every item on the checklist contributes to the overall quality of the release.
By diligently following this checklist, development and QA teams can work collaboratively to deliver a robust and reliable NAMEX API release. The pre-release phase is not just about ticking boxes; it's about ensuring the confidence and stability of the system for the users and stakeholders who depend on it. This proactive approach to release management significantly reduces the likelihood of encountering unexpected issues in production, saving time and resources in the long run. The focus on detail and the emphasis on verification ensures that the deployment process is as seamless as possible, contributing to the overall success of the project.
Addressing Potential Issues Early
The early detection of potential issues is a crucial aspect of the pre-release checklist. Identifying problems before they reach the production environment can save significant time and resources. This proactive approach involves meticulously reviewing each step of the checklist and addressing any concerns or discrepancies that may arise. The checklist items, such as verifying commit lists, confirming test results, and planning production verification testing, are specifically designed to uncover potential issues before they impact users. By catching these issues early, the development team can address them in a controlled environment, mitigating the risk of production downtime and user dissatisfaction.
Moreover, the pre-release checklist facilitates a collaborative approach to problem-solving. The involvement of both the development and QA teams ensures that issues are thoroughly investigated and that effective solutions are implemented. This collaborative effort can lead to a more robust and reliable release, as different perspectives and skill sets are brought to bear on the problem. For example, if the test suites reveal a failing test case, the development team can work with the QA team to understand the root cause of the failure and implement the necessary fix. This iterative process of identifying, addressing, and verifying issues helps to build confidence in the release and ensures that the NAMEX API functions as expected in the production environment. The emphasis on collaboration and early issue detection is a key factor in ensuring the success of the release.
NAMEX API v1.2.62 Deployment Steps
The following steps outline the deployment process for the NAMEX API v1.2.62 across different environments:
Development Environment
- [x] Namex API - v1.2.62: Deployment completed via CD script.
Test Environment
- [x] Namex API - v1.2.62: Deployment completed via CD script.
Production Environment
- [ ] Namex API - v1.2.56: Deployment completed via CD script.
- [ ] Notify the team: Notify the team via the #registries-ops channel once the deployment is complete.
Importance of Automated Deployment Scripts
The use of CD (Continuous Deployment) scripts is a critical component of the deployment process. CD scripts automate the deployment process, reducing the risk of human error and ensuring consistency across different environments. By automating the deployment, the development team can focus on other tasks, such as developing new features and fixing bugs, rather than manually deploying the application. This automation not only saves time but also improves the overall reliability of the deployment process. CD scripts can also include automated testing steps, which further enhance the quality and stability of the release.
In the context of the NAMEX API v1.2.62, the deployment process is streamlined through the use of CD scripts. These scripts ensure that the API is deployed consistently across the development, test, and production environments. The automation helps to minimize the risk of inconsistencies between environments, which can lead to unexpected behavior in production. The use of CD scripts also facilitates a more rapid deployment process, allowing the development team to deliver new features and bug fixes to users more quickly. The efficiency and reliability provided by automated deployment scripts are essential for maintaining a robust and responsive NAMEX API.
Notification and Communication
Effective notification and communication are vital during the deployment process. Informing the team about the deployment progress and any potential issues helps to ensure that everyone is aware of the current status and can take appropriate action if necessary. The use of channels such as #registries-ops provides a centralized location for communication, making it easy for team members to stay informed. This transparency is essential for maintaining trust and ensuring that the deployment process is as smooth as possible. Notification also plays a key role in managing expectations, as team members are aware of when the deployment is expected to be completed and can plan their work accordingly.
In the case of the NAMEX API v1.2.62 deployment, notifying the team via the #registries-ops channel after the production deployment is complete ensures that everyone is aware that the new version is live. This notification allows team members to verify that the API is functioning correctly and to address any issues that may arise. The communication ensures that the team is working collaboratively and that any potential problems are addressed promptly. The emphasis on clear and timely communication is a critical factor in the successful deployment of the NAMEX API.
Smoke Test Script
After the deployment to production, a smoke test script should be executed to verify the basic functionality of the NAMEX API. This ensures that the core features are working as expected.
The smoke test script includes the following steps:
- [ ] Load Name Examination: Verify that the Name Examination functionality loads correctly.
- [ ] Load Name Request UI: Verify that the Name Request User Interface loads without issues.
- [ ] Monitor GCP logs: Watch GCP logs for 60 minutes to identify any errors or unexpected behavior.
The Importance of Smoke Testing
Smoke testing is a critical step in the deployment process, as it provides a quick and efficient way to verify the core functionality of the NAMEX API after deployment. The purpose of smoke testing is to ensure that the most critical features are working as expected and that there are no major issues that would prevent users from using the application. By performing smoke tests immediately after deployment, the team can quickly identify and address any problems, minimizing the impact on users. This proactive approach to testing helps to maintain the stability and reliability of the NAMEX API.
The smoke test script includes a series of simple tests that are designed to cover the most important aspects of the application. These tests typically involve loading key pages, submitting basic requests, and verifying that the responses are as expected. In the case of the NAMEX API, the smoke test script includes loading the Name Examination functionality, loading the Name Request UI, and monitoring GCP logs for any errors. Monitoring logs is a valuable part of the smoke testing process, as it allows the team to identify issues that may not be immediately apparent from the user interface. The efficiency and effectiveness of smoke testing make it an essential part of the deployment process.
Real-time Monitoring and Log Analysis
Real-time monitoring and log analysis are crucial for maintaining the health and performance of the NAMEX API in the production environment. The smoke test script includes monitoring GCP (Google Cloud Platform) logs for 60 minutes after deployment. This allows the team to identify any errors or unexpected behavior that may not be immediately apparent from the user interface. Real-time monitoring provides valuable insights into the performance of the application and helps to detect issues before they impact users. By analyzing logs, the team can identify the root cause of problems and implement the necessary fixes.
The process of monitoring logs involves reviewing log entries for error messages, warnings, and other indicators of potential issues. Log analysis tools can be used to automate this process, making it easier to identify patterns and trends. In the context of the NAMEX API, monitoring GCP logs allows the team to track the performance of the application, identify any bottlenecks, and detect any security threats. The information obtained from log analysis can be used to optimize the performance of the application and improve its overall reliability. The combination of real-time monitoring and log analysis is a powerful approach to ensuring the health and stability of the NAMEX API.
By following this comprehensive checklist and diligently executing each step, the Copy of Names Release 25.7 for the NAMEX API can be deployed to production with confidence, ensuring a smooth and reliable experience for users.