deb-osbuild/docs/roadmap.md
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Debian bootc-image-builder Fork Roadmap

Project Overview

Fork of bootc-image-builder with osbuild backend adapted for Debian-based distributions. This project aims to provide a robust, pipeline-based image building solution for Debian ecosystems, replacing Fedora/RHEL-specific components with Debian equivalents.

Phase 1: Foundation & Assessment (Weeks 1-4)

1.1 Repository Setup

  • Fork bootc-image-builder repository
  • Fork osbuild repository
  • Set up CI/CD pipeline for Debian testing
  • Create development environment documentation
  • Establish contribution guidelines

1.2 Codebase Analysis

  • Map all Fedora-specific osbuild stages
  • Identify RPM/DNF dependencies throughout codebase
  • Document Anaconda installer integration points
  • Catalog bootloader and system configuration differences
  • Create compatibility matrix for existing stages

1.3 Architecture Planning

  • Design Debian stage naming convention (org.osbuild.debian.*)
  • Plan APT/DPKG stage implementations
  • Design Calamares integration architecture
  • Define Debian repository handling approach
  • Plan testing strategy for multiple Debian variants

Phase 2: Core Debian Stages (Weeks 5-12)

2.1 Package Management Stages

  • Implement org.osbuild.debian.sources (APT sources.list management)
  • Implement org.osbuild.debian.apt-update (package index updates)
  • Implement org.osbuild.debian.apt-install (package installation)
  • Implement org.osbuild.debian.dpkg (direct package handling)
  • Add support for APT preferences and pinning
  • Handle Debian signing keys and security

2.2 System Configuration Stages

  • Adapt org.osbuild.users for Debian conventions
  • Adapt org.osbuild.groups for Debian group standards
  • Implement Debian-specific systemd service management
  • Create org.osbuild.debian.alternatives stage
  • Handle Debian configuration file management (debconf)

2.3 Bootloader Integration

  • Adapt GRUB2 stages for Debian paths and conventions
  • Support Debian kernel naming conventions
  • Handle initramfs generation (update-initramfs)
  • Support secure boot for Debian
  • Test with different Debian architectures (amd64, arm64)

Phase 3: Installer Integration (Weeks 13-20)

3.1 Calamares Integration

  • Remove Anaconda-specific stages
  • Implement org.osbuild.calamares configuration stage
  • Create Calamares settings and branding stages
  • Support Debian live-boot integration
  • Handle Calamares module configuration

3.2 ISO Creation Pipeline

  • Adapt bootable ISO stages for Debian live systems
  • Integrate with live-build workflows where beneficial
  • Support multiple desktop environments (GNOME, KDE, XFCE)
  • Handle Debian live persistence options
  • Test installer ISO functionality

3.3 Live System Features

  • Implement casper (Ubuntu) compatibility for broader ecosystem
  • Support live system customization stages
  • Handle firmware and driver inclusion
  • Create minimal/standard/full variant support

Phase 4: Container & Cloud Integration (Weeks 21-28)

4.1 Container Image Support

  • Adapt container stages for Debian base images
  • Support Docker/Podman output formats
  • Integrate with Debian official container images
  • Handle multi-architecture container builds
  • Support container layer optimization

4.2 Cloud Platform Integration

  • AWS AMI creation with Debian
  • Google Cloud Platform image support
  • Azure VHD image creation
  • OpenStack qcow2 image support
  • Generic cloud-init integration

4.3 IoT & Edge Support

  • Raspberry Pi image creation
  • ARM64 SBC support (Pine64, etc.)
  • Minimal/embedded Debian variants
  • Custom partition layouts for embedded systems
  • OTA update preparation stages

Phase 5: Testing & Validation (Weeks 29-36)

5.1 Automated Testing

  • Unit tests for all Debian-specific stages
  • Integration tests with real Debian repositories
  • Automated ISO testing in virtual machines
  • Cloud image deployment validation
  • Performance benchmarking against alternatives

5.2 Distribution Coverage

  • Debian Stable (Bookworm) support
  • Debian Testing support
  • Ubuntu LTS compatibility testing
  • Debian derivative testing (Raspberry Pi OS, etc.)
  • Architecture support validation (amd64, arm64, armhf)

5.3 Compatibility Testing

  • Bootc compatibility validation
  • Container runtime integration testing
  • Cloud platform deployment testing
  • Hardware compatibility testing
  • Upgrade/migration path validation

Phase 6: Documentation & Release (Weeks 37-44)

6.1 Documentation

  • Complete user documentation
  • Developer contribution guide
  • Stage development tutorial
  • Migration guide from other tools
  • Best practices and examples

6.2 Community Building

  • Package for Debian repositories
  • Create example configurations
  • Establish support channels
  • Engage with Debian community
  • Present at relevant conferences

6.3 Release Preparation

  • Security audit of codebase
  • Performance optimization
  • Release candidate testing
  • Version 1.0 release
  • Post-release monitoring and support

Success Metrics

Technical Goals

  • Support all major Debian variants and architectures
  • Achieve feature parity with original bootc-image-builder for Debian
  • 95% test coverage for Debian-specific stages
  • Build times competitive with existing solutions
  • Memory usage optimization for resource-constrained environments

Adoption Goals

  • 5+ community contributors by Phase 6
  • Package inclusion in Debian repositories
  • 3+ downstream projects using the tool
  • Positive community feedback and engagement
  • Documentation rated as comprehensive by users

Risk Mitigation

Technical Risks

  • osbuild API changes: Pin to stable osbuild version, maintain compatibility layer
  • Debian repository changes: Implement robust error handling and fallback mechanisms
  • Bootloader complexity: Start with well-tested configurations, expand gradually
  • Architecture differences: Use emulation for testing, maintain architecture matrix

Resource Risks

  • Development capacity: Prioritize core functionality, defer nice-to-have features
  • Testing infrastructure: Leverage GitHub Actions, request Debian project resources
  • Community engagement: Start with existing bootc users, expand to Debian community

Future Considerations

Post-1.0 Features

  • Integration with Debian's official infrastructure
  • Advanced security features (TPM, measured boot)
  • Plugin system for custom stages
  • Web UI for image configuration
  • Integration with Kubernetes and container orchestration

Long-term Vision

  • Become the de facto standard for Debian image building
  • Support for immutable Debian variants
  • Integration with Debian's release process
  • Cross-distribution compatibility framework

Last Updated: August 11, 2025
Next Review: Weekly during active development
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Repository: [Fork URL when created]