---
layout: default
title: How to build and ship a release
---

# How to build and ship a release

These are the instructions for producing a release.
Please change the version number as appropriate.


## Step 1. Tools check

Make sure you are using the latest version of `go`
(listed on [https://golang.org/dl/](https://golang.org/dl/))

```
go version
```


## Step 2. Create a new release branch

From the "master" branch, run `bin/make-release.sh v3.xx.y` where
"v3.xx.y" should be the new release version.

NOTE: This warning can be ignored: `error: failed to push some refs to 'github.com:StackExchange/dnscontrol.git'`

The `make-release.sh` script will do the following:

1. Tag the current branch locally and remotely.
2. Update main.go with the new version string.
3. Create a file called draft-notes.txt which you will edit into the
   release notes.
4. Print instructions on how to create the release PR.

NOTE TO SELF: The last 2 times we did a release the tagging wasn't right. Be sure to watch this carefully, make sure the tag is handled correctly.  (i.e. tag vx.y.z should be on release_vx.y.z) and update the docs with the correct procedure.

NOTE: If you bump the major version, you need to change all the source
files.  The last time this was done (v2 -> v3) these two commands
automated all that:

```
#  Make all the changes:
sed -i.bak -e 's@github.com.StackExchange.dnscontrol.v2@github.com/StackExchange/dnscontrol/v3@g' go.* $(fgrep -lri --include '*.go' github.com/StackExchange/dnscontrol/v2 *)
# Delete the backup files:
find * -name \*.bak -delete
```

## Step 2b. Verify the version string

Verify the version string was updated:

```
$ grep Version main.go
```

(Make sure that it lists the new version number.)

## Step 3. Write the release notes.

draft-notes.txt is just a draft and needs considerable editing.

Once complete, the contents of this file will be used in multiple
places (release notes, email announcements, etc.)

Entries in the bullet list should be phrased in the positive: "Feature
FOO now does BAR".  This is often the opposite of the related issue,
which was probably phrased, "Feature FOO is broken because of BAR".

Every item should include the ID of the issue related to the change.
If there was no issue, create one and close it.

Sort the list most important/exciting changes earlier in the list.

Items related to a specific provier should begin with the all-caps
name of the provider, such as "ROUTE53: Added support for sandwiches (#100)"

See [https://github.com/StackExchange/dnscontrol/releases for examples](https://github.com/StackExchange/dnscontrol/releases) for recent release notes and copy that style.

Example/template:

```
This release includes many new providers (JoeDNS and MaryDNS), dozens
of bug fixes, and a new testing framework that makes it easier to add
big features without fear of breaking old ones.

Major features:

* NEW PROVIDER: Providername (#issueid)
* Add FOO DNS record support (#issueid)
* Add SIP/JABBER labels to underscore exception list (#453)

Provider-specific changes:

* PROVIDER: New feature or thing (#issueid)
* PROVIDER: Another feature or bug fixed (#issueid)
* CLOUDFLARE: Fix CF trying to update non-changeable TTL (#issueid)
```

## Step 4. Make the draft release.

[On github.com, click on "Draft a new release"](https://github.com/StackExchange/dnscontrol/releases/new)

Fill in the `Tag version` @ `Target` with:

  * Tag version: v$VERSION (this should be the first tag listed)
  * Target: master (this should be the default; and disappears when
    you enter the tag)

Release title: Release v$VERSION

Fill in the text box with the release notes written above.

(DON'T click SAVE until the next step is complete!)

(DO use the "preview" tab to proofread the text.)

## Step 5. Merge the release.

Verify that the automated tests passed. If not, fix the problems
before you continue.

This is also an opportunity to update any dependencies (go modules).
See the last section for commands that make that possible. Only
update modules related to the providers in the automated testing
system.  When those tests pass, wait for the Github Actions to
complete and verify the tests all passed.

Merge the PR into Master.

## Step 6. Publish the release

a. Publish the release.

* Make sure the "This is a pre-release" checkbox is UNchecked.
* Click "Publish Release".

b. Wait for workflow to complete

There's a GitHub Actions [workflow](https://github.com/StackExchange/dnscontrol/actions?query=workflow%3Arelease) which automatically builds and attaches
all 3 binaries to the release. Refresh the page after a few minutes and you'll
see dnscontrol-Darwin, dnscontrol-Linux, and dnscontrol.exe attached as assets.


## Step 7. Announce it via email

Email the release notes to the mailing list: (note the format of the Subject line and that the first line of the email is the URL of the release)

```
To: dnscontrol-discuss@googlegroups.com
Subject: New release: dnscontrol v$VERSION

https://github.com/StackExchange/dnscontrol/releases/tag/v$VERSION

[insert the release notes here]
```

NOTE: You won't be able to post to the mailing list unless you are on
it.  [Click here to join](https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/dnscontrol-discuss).


## Step 8. Announce it via chat

Mention on [https://gitter.im/dnscontrol/Lobby](https://gitter.im/dnscontrol/Lobby) that the new release has shipped.

```
ANNOUNCEMENT: dnscontrol v$VERSION has been released! https://github.com/StackExchange/dnscontrol/releases/tag/v$VERSION
```


## Step 9. Get credit!

Mention the fact that you did this release in your weekly accomplishments.

If you are at Stack Overflow:

  * Add the release to your weekly snippets
  * Run this build: `dnscontrol_embed - Promote most recent artifact into ExternalDNS repo`


# Tip: How to update modules

List out-of-date modules and update any that seem worth updating:

```
go get github.com/oligot/go-mod-upgrade
go-mod-upgrade
go mod tidy
```

OLD WAY:

```
go get -u github.com/psampaz/go-mod-outdated
go list -mod=mod -u -m -json all | go-mod-outdated -update -direct

# If any are out of date, update via:

go get -u
    or
go get -u module/path

# Once the updates are complete, tidy up:

go mod tidy
```
