Quarkus LTS Upgrade: Compatibility & Support Policy

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Quarkus LTS Upgrade: Compatibility & Support Policy

Hey folks! 👋 Let's dive into some Quarkus upgrade questions. Specifically, we'll address the safety of upgrading to Quarkus 3.20.3 while using QOSDK 7.1.4 and clarify the support policy for Quarkus versions. This should help anyone looking to navigate the latest Quarkus LTS releases.

Upgrading Quarkus: Safety and Compatibility

So, the big question: Is it safe to upgrade to Quarkus 3.20.3 while using QOSDK 7.1.4? 🤔 Based on the information provided, you're currently running Quarkus 3.20.2.2 and considering a move to 3.20.3, with QOSDK 7.1.4 in the mix, which is built on the same Quarkus version as your current setup. Generally, upgrading within the same LTS (Long-Term Support) stream, especially from a micro-version to a newer one (like going from 3.20.2.2 to 3.20.3), is pretty safe. These updates often include bug fixes and minor improvements, and are designed to be backward compatible. However, here's a more detailed breakdown to help you make an informed decision:

  1. Understand the Nature of the Upgrade: Micro-version upgrades typically focus on patching issues, security enhancements, and small performance boosts. Major structural changes are rare in these updates, which minimizes the risk of compatibility issues with your existing QOSDK 7.1.4.
  2. Review Release Notes: Always check the official Quarkus release notes for version 3.20.3. These notes provide a list of changes, potential breaking changes (though rare in micro-versions), and any known compatibility issues. This is the most crucial step to assess whether the upgrade could affect your specific application.
  3. Test Thoroughly: Before deploying to production, thoroughly test the upgrade in a staging or development environment. This allows you to identify any compatibility issues or unexpected behavior. Focus your testing on the parts of your application that use QOSDK, as this is where compatibility issues would most likely surface.
  4. Consider QOSDK Compatibility: Since QOSDK 7.1.4 is based on Quarkus 3.20.2.2, it's highly likely to be compatible with Quarkus 3.20.3. However, confirm that the QOSDK documentation or release notes don't mention any specific compatibility caveats with 3.20.3. Look for statements from the QOSDK developers about compatibility with the latest Quarkus micro-versions.
  5. Dependency Management: Ensure that all other dependencies in your project are also compatible with Quarkus 3.20.3. Dependency conflicts can cause unexpected problems. If you use a build tool like Maven or Gradle, update your dependency versions and run a dependency resolution to check for conflicts.
  6. Backup: Before you proceed with the upgrade, back up your application and its dependencies. This allows you to revert to the previous working state if you encounter any problems during the upgrade process.

In essence, upgrading from Quarkus 3.20.2.2 to 3.20.3 with QOSDK 7.1.4 appears to be a low-risk operation. Just remember to conduct thorough testing and review the release notes. You are in good shape, but always test first!

Quarkus Support Policy: What to Expect

Now, let's explore the Quarkus support policy in more detail. Knowing how Quarkus handles its different versions, especially the LTS releases, is important for planning upgrades and managing your application's lifecycle. Let's break down the general support model, as well as some specifics regarding LTS versions and the potential for QOSDK releases.

  1. LTS vs. Non-LTS Versions: Quarkus releases are divided into LTS (Long-Term Support) and non-LTS versions. LTS versions, like the 3.20.x stream, are designed for stability and receive longer-term support, including bug fixes, security patches, and compatibility updates. Non-LTS versions provide access to the latest features and innovations but have a shorter support lifespan. The choice between LTS and non-LTS depends on your project's needs—LTS for stability and long-term support, and non-LTS for bleeding-edge features.
  2. Support Duration: LTS versions usually receive support for an extended period, typically at least a year or more after their initial release. This extended support period is very helpful for enterprise applications that prioritize stability over rapid feature adoption. Non-LTS versions get support for a shorter time, usually around a few months, with the expectation that users will upgrade to newer versions more frequently.
  3. Micro-Version Releases: It's a common practice for projects, including Quarkus and related projects like QOSDK, to release micro-versions for LTS versions. Micro-versions are regular updates that contain bug fixes, performance improvements, and security patches. These releases help keep your application secure and stable without requiring major version upgrades. The more frequent the micro-version releases, the better. This is because they provide a steady stream of improvements, which minimizes the risk and effort of larger, less frequent upgrades.
  4. QOSDK Support: Ideally, QOSDK (and other related projects) should align with the Quarkus LTS releases to ensure compatibility and provide timely updates. It's common for projects to release micro-versions to support new Quarkus micro-versions, which is what you're asking about. This approach simplifies the upgrade path and ensures that you can take advantage of the latest improvements in Quarkus without having to wait for QOSDK updates.
  5. Communication: The Quarkus community generally communicates its support policy through official documentation, release notes, and community channels (such as mailing lists, forums, and social media). Look for announcements about the support duration for each version, planned updates, and compatibility guidelines. Make sure you subscribe to any relevant channels to stay informed.
  6. Community Involvement: The Quarkus community and its contributors play a vital role in providing support, answering questions, and fixing issues. Contributing to the Quarkus ecosystem, reporting issues, and suggesting improvements all help improve the quality and support of the project.

Recommendations for QOSDK and Quarkus Versions

Given the context, it's wise to consider the following when working with Quarkus and QOSDK versions.

  1. QOSDK Releases Alignment: To provide the best user experience, QOSDK should aim to align its releases with Quarkus LTS versions. This alignment allows users to leverage the stability of LTS releases and get timely updates that include bug fixes, security patches, and compatibility improvements. Ideally, for every new micro-version of a Quarkus LTS release (such as 3.20.3), there should be a corresponding QOSDK micro-version release. This helps in maintaining compatibility and streamlines the upgrade process.
  2. Communication and Transparency: Clearly communicating the support policy for both Quarkus and QOSDK is crucial. This helps users understand the expected lifespan of each version and plan their upgrades. Transparency about the release cycle, the types of updates, and any potential breaking changes provides peace of mind and enables users to make informed decisions.
  3. Automated Testing: Implement automated tests that cover various scenarios. These tests should include compatibility tests that ensure that QOSDK works well with new Quarkus micro-versions. This ensures that the user doesn't encounter unexpected problems, and that the product is as stable as possible.
  4. Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery (CI/CD): Use CI/CD to automate testing, build processes, and deployments. Automated builds can be triggered when new versions of Quarkus or QOSDK are released. This allows developers to catch issues early and make necessary fixes. CI/CD also helps automate the deployment process, making it easier to upgrade in production.
  5. User Feedback: Collect feedback from users about compatibility issues, problems during upgrades, and required features. User feedback is a valuable resource for guiding development and enhancing the user experience. By gathering feedback from users, you can find out the common problems and pain points. That way, the issues can be addressed in the next version, resulting in greater usability and customer satisfaction.
  6. Documentation: Keep the documentation up to date. Make sure the documentation is easy to read, and it has the latest information about each version. This reduces user errors and helps improve overall satisfaction.

By following these recommendations, the Quarkus and QOSDK teams can improve the user experience, guarantee compatibility, and foster a strong community.

Conclusion: Navigating the Quarkus Ecosystem

In conclusion, upgrading to Quarkus 3.20.3 from 3.20.2.2 with QOSDK 7.1.4 is generally safe, as long as you're in the same LTS stream and conduct thorough testing. Always refer to the release notes and test in a non-production environment. For the support policy, expect LTS versions to be supported for longer periods, with frequent micro-version releases. Aligning QOSDK releases with Quarkus LTS versions is best practice. Keep in touch with the community and stay updated with the latest releases to get the most from the Quarkus experience! 👍