simple-cli/COMMUNITY_RELEASE_GUIDE.md

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

• Core Tools Integration: apt-ostree, bootupd, bootc working together
• Variant Development: All four variants (Euclase, Bosom, Apex, Corona) completed
• Debian 13+ Support: All variants confirmed compatible with Debian 13
• Documentation: Comprehensive README and testing framework
• Concept Proofing: Atomic update workflow demonstrated
• 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

# 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

# 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

# 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.