[News] Selecting the STABLE version of the Astro-Wise Environment

[Danny R. Boxhoorn]

Dear Astro-Wiser,

Since a few weeks the notion of a STABLE Astro-Wise Environment exists.
This means that particular versions of the sources in CVS are tagged with
a STABLE tag. If a newer version of a file is considered to be better
than the currently STABLE one, then this newer version is tagged STABLE.
Similarly, if an older source file appears to give a much better result
that older version can be tagged as STABLE as well.

One important reason to have a STABLE version is to keep the database schema
in sync with the Python sources. Another obvious reason is that it allows
experimental code to be committed without surprising any users.
Your local `awe' probably uses the STABLE version. Please, check with your
local Astro-Wise administrator.

Some people may have anticipated the more traditional approach of releasing
frozen versions of source code. Using CVS tags provides a mechanism that is
much more powerful and flexible than releasing frozen versions.
In addition, it is much easier to control by the people that maintain
the STABLE version.


The good news is that it is easy to start using the STABLE version and
keep using it from that moment on. And it's easy to switch back to the
latest version at any time. However, if you decide to switch between the
STABLE and the latest version I suggest that you keep two separate check
outs of the sources. Otherwise, you will quickly be confused.

To switch to the STABLE version execute the following in the `opipe' directory

   cvs update -r STABLE astro

To switch to the latest version execute the following in the `opipe' directory

   cvs update -A astro

You only have to execute these once. From that moment on all usual CVS
commands apply to the particular version.

So, after switching to the STABLE version, a `cvs update' will suffice to get
the current STABLE version.


I'm sure some of you will have questions. Send them to this mailing list and
consider adding them to `opipe/docs/Manual.tex'.

Cheers,

                                                   Danny

Kapteyn Institute / Astro-Wise             e-mail: danny at astro.rug.nl
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