Release v24.3

[alex-w]

Step 1: two weeks before release (2024-09-08)

Core

• Update the list of planetary nomenclature

Environment

• Weak freeze the master branch (accept bug fixes and typo fixes only)
• Extract all lines for translation
• Send notification for translators and developers (via maillist)
• Publish first release candidate (RC1)
• Assign this issue to the milestone of upcoming release

Dependencies

• Update CalcMySky/ShowMySky version
• Update QXlsx version
• Update INDI version

Step 2: one week before release (2024-09-15)

Core

• Update the default list of locations
• Update orbital elements for minor bodies of Solar system

Plugins

• Update the default list of satellites
• Update the default catalog of pulsars
• Update the default catalog of exoplanets
• Update the default list of comets (data\ssystem_minor.ini)

Environment

• Update the Stellarium User Guide
• Strong freeze the master branch (accept bug fixes only, which don't touch translatable data)
• Publish second release candidate (RC2)

Step 3: immediately before release (2024-09-22)

Core

• Update the default list of locations
• Update orbital elements for minor bodies of Solar system
• Update the list of contributors
• Update the list of financial supporters

Plugins

• Update the default list of satellites
• Update the standard magnitudes and RCS of satellites
• Update the default catalog of pulsars
• Update the default catalog of exoplanets
• Update the discovery circumstances for minor planets (Solar System Editor)
• Update the discovery circumstances for comets (Solar System Editor)

Environment

• Update the ChangeLog file
• Update the link to Stellarium User Guide in README.md file
• Update BUILDING.md file
• Update the version number in CMakeLists.txt file
• Set STELLARIUM_RELEASE_BUILD 1 in CMakeLists.txt file
• Update metainfo for new release (util\metainfo\metainfo.sh)
• Update translations of desktop info (util\desktop\desktoppo.py)
• Update translations for landscapes descriptions (util\landscapes\translate.sh)
• Update translations for skycultures descriptions (util\skycultures\translate.sh)
• Update translations for scenery3d descriptions (util\scenery3d\translate.sh)

Step 4: release (2024-09-22)

Environment

• Add tag on the GitHub
• Fill the release notes on the GitHub
• Make and upload Stellarium User Guide for AppVeyor
• Upload packages on the GitHub
• Close milestone on the GitHub
• Remove label state: published for all items from closed milestone on the GitHub
• Update CITATION.cff and CITATION files

Step 5: immediately after release (2024-09-22)

Environment

• Update API documentation on the website (make apidoc)
• Update release data on the website
• Update translations on the website
• Add news about new release on the website
• Update the catalog of pulsars on the website
• Update the catalog of exoplanets on the website
• Update Stellarium User Guide on the website
• Set STELLARIUM_RELEASE_BUILD 0 in CMakeLists.txt file
• Check Stellarium data on Zenodo and update DOI on the website
• Upload Stellarium User Guide on ResearchGate
• Close this issue

[alex-w]

@10110111 I see the code of CalcMySky/ShowMySky was changed since latest release of planetarium - any plans for releasing new version of CMS/SMS?

P.S. What about depends for your plugin?

[10110111]

I think I'll make a release in a few days.

[10110111]

Updated the CalcMySky dependency.

[alex-w]

@10110111 @gzotti

The publishing the packages for 24.3RC3 are planned to tomorrow. What about chances for fixing issues #3848, #3828, #3553, and #3525 in upcoming release?

[gzotti]

I am afraid the other stuff took too much of my free time. I had a first look, but again, this is a serious nightmare class with an 18-year poorly documented history and still "new" old hidden features to find.

[10110111]

Since the author of #3828 hasn't replied, the PR has to wait. #3525 remains at status quo as well. #3848 has been fixed now.