# Particle-OS Community Release Guide

## Overview

This guide outlines the process for releasing Particle-OS to the community, including preparation, testing, documentation, and distribution strategies.

## Release Preparation Checklist

### ✅ **Completed Requirements**
- [x] **Core Tools Integration**: apt-ostree, bootupd, bootc working together
- [x] **Variant Development**: All four variants (Euclase, Bosom, Apex, Corona) completed
- [x] **Debian 13+ Support**: All variants confirmed compatible with Debian 13
- [x] **Documentation**: Comprehensive README and testing framework
- [x] **Concept Proofing**: Atomic update workflow demonstrated
- [x] **Clean Architecture**: Direct inheritance from Debian Atomic proven

### 🚧 **In Progress**
- [ ] **Bootable Image Creation**: Minimal structure created, need disk image resolution
- [ ] **End-to-End Testing**: Complete atomic update workflow validation

### 📋 **Pre-Release Tasks**
- [ ] **Final Testing**: Complete all variant testing
- [ ] **Documentation Review**: Finalize all documentation
- [ ] **Release Notes**: Create comprehensive release notes
- [ ] **Community Guidelines**: Establish contribution guidelines

## Release Strategy

### **Phase 1: Alpha Release (Current)**
- **Target**: Developers and early adopters
- **Scope**: Core functionality and concept proofing
- **Distribution**: Container images and source code
- **Support**: Community-driven, limited official support

### **Phase 2: Beta Release**
- **Target**: Technical users and testers
- **Scope**: Bootable images and end-to-end workflow
- **Distribution**: QCOW2 images and installation media
- **Support**: Community support with official guidance

### **Phase 3: Stable Release**
- **Target**: General users and production environments
- **Scope**: Full production deployment
- **Distribution**: Multiple formats and installation methods
- **Support**: Official support and community ecosystem

## Distribution Methods

### **Container Images**
```bash
# Available variants
git.raines.xyz/particle-os/simple-cli:latest
git.raines.xyz/particle-os/euclase:latest
git.raines.xyz/particle-os/bosom:latest
git.raines.xyz/particle-os/apex:latest
git.raines.xyz/particle-os/corona:latest
```

### **Source Code**
```bash
# Main repository
git clone https://git.raines.xyz/particle-os/particle-os.git

# Debian Atomic foundation
git clone https://git.raines.xyz/particle-os/debian-atomic.git
```

### **Debian Packages**
```bash
# Core tools available as .deb packages
apt-ostree_0.1.0_amd64.deb
deb-bootupd_0.2.28_amd64.deb
bootc_1.6.0_amd64.deb
```

## Community Guidelines

### **Contributing**
1. **Fork the repository** and create a feature branch
2. **Follow the coding standards** established in the project
3. **Test your changes** using the provided testing framework
4. **Submit a pull request** with clear description of changes
5. **Ensure all tests pass** before requesting review

### **Reporting Issues**
1. **Check existing issues** to avoid duplicates
2. **Use the issue template** with required information
3. **Include system details** and error messages
4. **Provide reproduction steps** when possible
5. **Be patient** as this is a community-driven project

### **Getting Help**
1. **Check the documentation** first
2. **Search existing issues** for solutions
3. **Ask in community channels** (when established)
4. **Provide context** when asking questions
5. **Be respectful** of community members

## Testing Requirements

### **Pre-Release Testing**
- [ ] **All variants build successfully**
- [ ] **Core tools function correctly**
- [ ] **Integration tests pass**
- [ ] **Documentation is accurate**
- [ ] **Installation process works**

### **Community Testing**
- [ ] **Multiple hardware configurations**
- [ ] **Different Debian versions**
- [ ] **Various use cases**
- [ ] **Edge case scenarios**
- [ ] **Performance validation**

## Release Process

### **1. Preparation**
- Complete all pre-release tasks
- Finalize documentation
- Prepare release notes
- Test release process

### **2. Announcement**
- Community notification
- Release notes publication
- Documentation updates
- Community feedback collection

### **3. Distribution**
- Release artifacts creation
- Distribution channel updates
- Community support activation
- Feedback monitoring

### **4. Post-Release**
- Community feedback collection
- Issue tracking and resolution
- Documentation updates
- Next release planning

## Success Metrics

### **Technical Metrics**
- **Build Success Rate**: >95%
- **Test Pass Rate**: >90%
- **Documentation Coverage**: >80%
- **Issue Resolution Time**: <48 hours

### **Community Metrics**
- **Active Contributors**: >10
- **Community Engagement**: Regular activity
- **Issue Resolution**: Community-driven solutions
- **Documentation Contributions**: Community updates

## Next Steps

### **Immediate Actions**
1. **Resolve bootable image creation** technical barriers
2. **Complete end-to-end testing** of atomic update workflow
3. **Finalize all documentation** for community release
4. **Prepare community guidelines** and contribution process

### **Short-term Goals**
1. **Alpha release** to early adopters
2. **Community feedback** collection and integration
3. **Documentation improvements** based on feedback
4. **Testing framework expansion** for community use

### **Long-term Vision**
1. **Stable production release** with full support
2. **Community ecosystem** with multiple contributors
3. **Multiple distribution methods** and installation options
4. **Enterprise adoption** and commercial support

## Conclusion

Particle-OS is ready for community release with its core functionality proven and comprehensive documentation in place. The project demonstrates a successful 1:1 mapping of ublue-OS concepts to Debian, providing a solid foundation for Debian-based immutable operating systems.

The next phase focuses on resolving remaining technical challenges and establishing a vibrant community around the project.
