Version-string schemes for the Java SE Platform and the JDK

[Andrew Haley]

On 26/10/17 10:53, Dave Franken wrote:

> I assume we have the proper testing procedures in place to ensure
> the stability of any release, not just the LTS versions, but maybe
> more so for the LTS versions.  This means that nothing gets
> released, LTS or non-LTS unless properly tested, right?

Yes.  But this isn't about testing.  It's about gaining experience
with new language features in the real world, and filling in gaps as
needed.  We have found out that convenient facilities were missing in
new features.

This is IMO the whole point of frequent releases.  To encourage
development of language features and get the benefit of the rapid
deploy-use-modify virtuous circle.  If we don't do this we may as well
go back to the old model.


> We could still release RC versions prior to LTS if we desperately
> want this feedback.

Sure, but it's not really the same thing.

-- 
Andrew Haley
Java Platform Lead Engineer
Red Hat UK Ltd. <https://www.redhat.com>
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