Pre-Release Testing: Difference between revisions

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Jgress- (talk | contribs)
Removed sentence in the first paragraph about the date of the next release as of the writing of this doc.
Jgress- (talk | contribs)
2025 Release Dates: I updated the dates for this years releases.
 
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<noinclude><languages /></noinclude>  
<noinclude><languages /></noinclude>
<translate><!--T:1--> Minor updates of Joomla are released every six (6) Tuesdays. One week prior to the release, the update is set for RC (Release Candidate) and available for testing. People are needed to conduct such tests. The more people that test, the better releases can be.</translate>
<translate><!--T:1--> Minor updates of Joomla are released every six (6) Tuesdays (schedule may change). One week prior to the release, the update is set for RC (Release Candidate) and available for testing. People are needed to conduct such tests. The more people that test, the better releases can be.</translate>


== <translate><!--T:2--> 2020-2021 Release Dates</translate> ==
== <translate><!--T:2--> 2025 Release Dates</translate> ==
<translate>
<translate>
<!--T:3-->
<!--T:3-->
* 12th January 2021
* 7 January 2025
* 23 February 2021
* 18 February 2025
* 6 April 2021
* 15 April 2025
* 18 May 2021
* 27 May 2025
* 29 June 2021
* 8 July 2025
* 10 August 2021
* 19 August 2025
* 21 September 2021
* 14 October 2025
* 2 November 2021
* 25 November 2025
* 14 December 2021</translate>
</translate>


<translate><!--T:4--> Tip: add a recurring calendar event one week before each of these dates and help the Joomla! Project test releases before they go out.</translate>
<translate><!--T:4--> Tip: add a calendar event one week before each of these dates and help the Joomla! Project test releases before they go out.</translate>


== <translate><!--T:5--> How to Test RCs</translate> ==
== <translate><!--T:5--> How to Test Release Candidates</translate> ==


=== <translate><!--T:6--> Set up a Development Location</translate> ===
=== <translate><!--T:6--> Set Up a Testing Location</translate> ===
<translate>
<translate>
<!--T:7-->
<!--T:7-->
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#*[[S:MyLanguage/Backup_Basics_for_a_Joomla!_Web_Site|Backup Basics for a Joomla! Web Site]]
#*[[S:MyLanguage/Backup_Basics_for_a_Joomla!_Web_Site|Backup Basics for a Joomla! Web Site]]
#*[[S:MyLanguage/What_are_the_best_practices_for_site_backups%3F|What are the best practices for site backups?]]
#*[[S:MyLanguage/What_are_the_best_practices_for_site_backups%3F|What are the best practices for site backups?]]
# Make sure your environment meets the [http://www.joomla.org/about-joomla/technical-requirements.html technical requirements] before proceeding.</translate><translate>
# Make sure your environment meets the [https://downloads.joomla.org/technical-requirements technical requirements] before proceeding.</translate>
<translate>
<!--T:8-->
<!--T:8-->
# Create a new database and new user to restore your development site to.  
# Create a new database and new user to restore your development site to.
# Create a testing site or build area to work in and restore the back up copy of your site in one of the following places:
# Create a testing site or build area to work in and restore the back up copy of your site in one of the following places:
#* A subdomain.
#* A subdomain.
#* A subdirectory.
#* A subdirectory.
#* A local device via [https://sourceforge.net/projects/wampserver/ WAMP], [http://www.mamp.info/en/ MAMP], [http://sourceforge.net/projects/lampas/ LAMP], [https://docs.joomla.org/XAMPP XAMPP].</translate><translate>
#* A local device via [https://sourceforge.net/projects/wampserver/ WAMP], [https://www.mamp.info/en/mamp/windows/ MAMP], [https://sourceforge.net/projects/lampas/ LAMP], [https://docs.joomla.org/XAMPP XAMPP].</translate>
<translate>
<!--T:9-->
<!--T:9-->
#* A new hosting account on a temporary domain in the root. (If you would like to change hosts in the process of migration).
#* A new hosting account on a temporary domain in the root. (If you would like to change hosts in the process of migration).
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=== <translate><!--T:10--> Installing the RC</translate> ===
=== <translate><!--T:10--> Installing the RC</translate> ===
==== 5.1.0+ ====
# With your development site established, go to {{rarr|Components,Joomla! Update}} and then click the ''Options'' button in the top toolbar.
# In the field '''Update Channel''', select '''Default'''. In the '''Minimal Stability''' field, select ''Release Candidate''.
[[File:Pre-Release_Testing_Options_5.1.0.png|border]]
==== 3.10.x to 5.0.x ====
<translate>
<translate>
<!--T:11-->
<!--T:11-->
# With your dev site established, go to '''Components -> Joomla! Update''' and then click the '''Options''' button in the top toolbar.
# With your development site established, go to {{rarr|Components,Joomla! Update}} and then click the ''Options'' button in the top toolbar.
#
# In the field '''Update Channel''', select '''Testing'''. In the '''Minimal Stability''' field, select ''Stable''.</translate> [[File:Pre-Release Testing-Options_<translate><!--T:12--> en</translate>.jpg|border]]
# In the field '''Update Channel''', select '''Testing'''. In the '''Minimal Stability''' field, select ''Stable''.</translate> [[File:Pre-Release Testing-Options_<translate><!--T:12--> en</translate>.jpg|border]]
#
<translate><!--T:13-->
<translate><!--T:13-->
# Click '''Save & Close''' in the top toolbar.
# Click '''Save & Close''' in the top toolbar.
#
# Run the update on the next page.</translate>
# Run the update on the next page.</translate>


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<translate>
<translate>
<!--T:15-->
<!--T:15-->
Test all the things you normally do on your website. Check the backend and frontend. To assist, you can also test items on the [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1tCgPO8_y2LT5PjsHUWBcW-5q4f8BUBODY3iuEgXWFj0/edit#gid=322644199 release checklist]. Each release will have a new tab in the spreadsheet. Simply add your name starting in column D and report pass/fail in the cell associated with each item to test. The CMS Release Team is working on a component to make this easier. We will update this documentation when it becomes available.</translate>
Test all the things you normally do on your website. Check the Backend and Frontend. To assist, you can also test items on the [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ciTeoBmzcNJLvFkxIeOsjmUeZbKj1tHREZfQrm3X1-I/edit#gid=1154167118 release checklist]. Each release will have a new tab in the spreadsheet. Simply add your name starting in column D and report pass/fail in the cell associated with each item to test. The CMS Release Team is working on a component to make this easier. We will update this documentation when it becomes available.</translate>
<translate>
<translate>
<!--T:16-->
<!--T:16-->
There may be specific items the CMS Release Team. Those items will be found on social media platforms including the [https://forum.joomla.org/viewforum.php?f=8 Joomla! Forum].</translate>
There may be specific items the CMS Release Team. Those items will be found on social media platforms including the [https://forum.joomla.org/viewforum.php?f=8 Joomla! Forum].</translate>
<translate>
<translate><!--T:17-->
<!--T:17-->
Frontend
If issues are found or you need to discuss an issue, please report them on [https://issues.joomla.org/ issues.joomla.org]. You will need a Github account to do so. Please see [[S:MyLanguage/Filing bugs and issues|Filing bugs and issues]] for more information on how to report issues/bugs.</translate>
If issues are found or you need to discuss an issue, please report them on [https://issues.joomla.org/ issues.joomla.org]. You will need a GitHub account to do so. Please see [[S:MyLanguage/Filing bugs and issues|Filing Bugs and Issues]] for more information on how to make a report.</translate>


'''<translate><!--T:18--> IMPORTANT: If you need to discuss a security issue, do NOT post on [https://issues.joomla.org/ issues.joomla.org]. Rather send an email with details to [mailto:security@joomla.org security@joomla.org].</translate>'''
<translate><!--T:18--> '''Important''' If you need to discuss a security issue, do '''not''' post on [https://issues.joomla.org/ issues.joomla.org]. Rather send an email with details to [mailto:security@joomla.org security@joomla.org].</translate>


<translate><!--T:19--> If you find an issue with a third-party extension, please report it directly to the developer. Do not report it to the Joomla! Project.</translate>
<translate><!--T:19--> If you find an issue with a third-party extension, please report it directly to the developer. Do not report it to the Joomla! Project.</translate>
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=== <translate><!--T:20--> Finishing Up</translate> ===
=== <translate><!--T:20--> Finishing Up</translate> ===


<translate><!--T:21--> Once done testing, remove the dev instance from your server (or local) environment. You will not be able to use it on the next release testing so killing it is best. But if you want to leave it where it is, put an .htacccess password protection over it to make sure it doesn't get indexed. Your hosting provider should be able to provide instructions on how to do this.</translate>
<translate><!--T:21--> Once done testing, remove the dev instance from your server (or local) environment. You will not be able to use it on the next release testing so killing it is best. If you want to leave it where it is, put an ''.htaccess'' password protection over it to make sure it doesn't get indexed. Your hosting provider should be able to provide instructions on how to do this.</translate>
 
== <translate><!--T:22--> Suggested Tools</translate> ==


* [http://extensions.joomla.org/extensions/access-a-security/site-security/backup/1606 Akeeba Backup] <translate><!--T:23--> for backup and restore.</translate>
== <translate><!--T:22--> Suggested Tools</translate> ==
* [https://extensions.joomla.org/extension/access-a-security/site-security/akeeba-backup/ Akeeba Backup] <translate><!--T:23--> for backup and restore.</translate>


[[Category:Bug_Squad{{#translation:}}]]
[[Category:Bug_Squad{{#translation:}}]]

Latest revision as of 19:30, 14 January 2025

Minor updates of Joomla are released every six (6) Tuesdays (schedule may change). One week prior to the release, the update is set for RC (Release Candidate) and available for testing. People are needed to conduct such tests. The more people that test, the better releases can be.

2025 Release Dates

  • 7 January 2025
  • 18 February 2025
  • 15 April 2025
  • 27 May 2025
  • 8 July 2025
  • 19 August 2025
  • 14 October 2025
  • 25 November 2025

Tip: add a calendar event one week before each of these dates and help the Joomla! Project test releases before they go out.

How to Test Release Candidates

Set Up a Testing Location

  1. Take a backup of the site you want to test making sure you have permission to test using the website you're going to use. You can use a suggested tool (see bottom of page) or you can do this manually.
  2. Make sure your environment meets the technical requirements before proceeding.
  3. Create a new database and new user to restore your development site to.
  4. Create a testing site or build area to work in and restore the back up copy of your site in one of the following places:

Installing the RC

5.1.0+

  1. With your development site established, go to Components  Joomla! Update and then click the Options button in the top toolbar.
  2. In the field Update Channel, select Default. In the Minimal Stability field, select Release Candidate.

3.10.x to 5.0.x

  1. With your development site established, go to Components  Joomla! Update and then click the Options button in the top toolbar.
  2. In the field Update Channel, select Testing. In the Minimal Stability field, select Stable.
  3. Click Save & Close in the top toolbar.
  4. Run the update on the next page.

Test, Test, Test

Test all the things you normally do on your website. Check the Backend and Frontend. To assist, you can also test items on the release checklist. Each release will have a new tab in the spreadsheet. Simply add your name starting in column D and report pass/fail in the cell associated with each item to test. The CMS Release Team is working on a component to make this easier. We will update this documentation when it becomes available. There may be specific items the CMS Release Team. Those items will be found on social media platforms including the Joomla! Forum. Frontend If issues are found or you need to discuss an issue, please report them on issues.joomla.org. You will need a GitHub account to do so. Please see Filing Bugs and Issues for more information on how to make a report.

Important If you need to discuss a security issue, do not post on issues.joomla.org. Rather send an email with details to security@joomla.org.

If you find an issue with a third-party extension, please report it directly to the developer. Do not report it to the Joomla! Project.

Finishing Up

Once done testing, remove the dev instance from your server (or local) environment. You will not be able to use it on the next release testing so killing it is best. If you want to leave it where it is, put an .htaccess password protection over it to make sure it doesn't get indexed. Your hosting provider should be able to provide instructions on how to do this.

Suggested Tools