bits from the Release Team: bullseye status update
Dear all,
bullseye is going to rock. We're getting there. This bits is a small update to explain where we stand and how you can help the bullseye release.
debian-installer
================
As it currently stands, what we need to focus on is getting the debian-installer in the right quality. The debian-installer can use you help by providing solutions for issues marked as blockers for bug 987441 [987441] and by trying out the debian-installer [1]. One of the most worrying issues is a black screen after installation caused by missing firmware, Lucas wrote a tentative summary of the issue [2] (with some follow-up).
RC bugs status
==============
At the time of writing 132 unfixed release-critical bugs affect bullseye, of which 69 are in key packages. This is the number which needs to reach zero before the release can take place.
As a reminder, the following changes are eligible for unblocking:
* targeted fixes for release critical bugs (i.e., bugs of severity critical, grave, and serious);
* fixes for severity: important bugs, only when this can be done via unstable;
* translation updates and documentation fixes, only when this can be done via unstable;
* updates to packages directly related to the release process (i.e. with references to the current layout of the archive), only when this can be done via unstable;
Please note that a new upstream release with other changes included does *not* count as a "targeted fix". You must cherry-pick patches to fix bugs unless otherwise directed. Please see our FAQ [3] for questions you should ask yourself and be able to answer to judge if your new upstream release has a chance in the unblock process.
As the release draws nearer, fixes for non-RC bugs which do not affect a package's general usability will increasingly be deferred or rejected.
Upgrade testing
===============
If you are in a position to carry out upgrade testing from buster to bullseye in the field, now is the time to do so and send your feedback as a bug report against the "upgrade-reports" pseudo-package.
Release notes
=============
Please ensure that any information about your packages which should form part of the release notes is prepared in plenty of time to allow for review and translations. Release notes coordination happens in the BTS in bugs filed against the "release-notes" pseudo-package and in merge requests on salsa [4].
Responding to unblock requests
==============================
We try hard to keep track of all unblock requests, but there are many opened every day and the queue can sometimes mean you don't get a response quickly. You can help as follows:
* we will not usually look at requests tagged "moreinfo". If you follow up to a request for information, please remove the tag so that we review it again.
* include as much information, rationale and commentary as you can in your original request. We're probably looking at your package for the first time and among lots of other requests, so the information you provide is crucial for proper triaging.
* don't start discussion about an unblock on the debian-release list or #debian-release, even if you're not sure whether your fix will be accepted. Always open a bug and then it can be tracked properly.
* inclusion of an inline diffstat with commentary plus usage of filterdiff to exclude generated files (e.g. autofoo) or translations can be beneficial. When using filterdiff, please remember to include the filter criteria/the command line, so we know what was omitted.
Finally, please continue to help the debian-installer and further concentrate on RC bug fixes and let's get that number down to zero and release!
On behalf of the Release Team,
Paul
[987441] https://bugs.debian.org/987441
[1] https://www.debian.org/devel/debian-installer/
[2] https://lists.debian.org/debian-release/2021/04/msg00646.html
[3] https://release.debian.org/bullseye/FAQ.html
[4] https://salsa.debian.org/ddp-team/release-notes/
The Debian release team published a status update on their upcoming Debian 11 Bullseye release.
