Automating software releases helps developers avoid problems by automating repetitive tasks like testing code and documentation. The author created a script called release(1) to automate tasks for releasing their Perl modules, which they later developed into the Module::Release module to make the process easier, pluggable, and shareable for other developers. Module::Release handles tasks like checking for bugs, testing distributions, and syncing source control to help developers focus on development rather than manual preparation and release steps.

1. Automating software releases brian d foy August 24, 2004 Dallas/Ft. Worth Perl Mongers sponsored by Metallect

2. Everyone’s problems Software has problems Problems suck time Keep you from what’s important It’s not just the code

3. Automate Repetition Dull bits Discovery Notification Monkey work

4. Mechanics are easy Mechanics are easy Simple matter of programming Solutions are not so easy

5. My problems Many Perl modules Forgot things Didn’t run tests Stale source control POD errors

6. Heal thyself! Find problems before users Avoid embarrassment Know on day -1 Save time Develop process

7. release(1) Created a script Used Perl Started small Got a bit ugly Put on CPAN

8. Releasing is easy Have software Want other people to use it Just give it to them

9. Oh no! Did not test software Missing files Old information People complain!

10. Preparing is harder Squash bugs Test code Test distribution Sync source control Update information

11. Development Lifecycle Specify Design Implement Test Accept Release

12. Steps One at a time Requirements to move on Check Move on

13. Checking Different types times reasons Automate it!

14. Distribute Multiple uploads Announcements Automate it!

15. Computers can help Use your computer! Figure out want need should Script checks for it

16. Module::Release Ken Williams refactored release(1) Does the same thing Write your own scripts Chris Nandor Add your own functions Module::Release::Subversion

17. Module::Release 2.x Easier Pluggable Shareable Automatic Not Perl specific

18. Future additions Pre-flight Tests Distribution tests Source control plugins Upload plugins Little language

19. The End