Advice regarding a Proposal to switch MyFaces to a Tomcat style of release.

[Paul Spencer <pa...@apache.org>]

I would like to propose that MyFaces switch to a Tomcat style of release[1].  Specifically a
release is cut when specific conditions are met, then the PMC sets its status,
alpha/beta/stable.  The conditions could include the following:
   1) All tests pass.
   2) All examples work.
   3) Passed a functional milestone. (Yes, this subjective)

As to the status of a release, the release is considered Alpha
until updated by the PMC.  The chart below describes each status.
   Status   Description
   ------- -------------------
   Alpha   Same as Tomcat
   Beta    Same as Tomcat + Passes TCK
   Stable  Same as Tomcat.

Only a stable release is patchable after it has been release.  In addition
upgrade paths would be from stable release to stable release.


I am proposing this for the following reasons:
1) Eliminate the need to stage the release then perform an actual
    release.  This can wreck havoc on a devaloper's Maven repository.
2) Lower the barrier to a release while NOT lowering the standard
    of a Stable release.
3) Display visible progress to the user community.
4) Minimize the dependencies on snapshots by application developers.


My intent is to make the process better and improve MyFaces, not to stir up trouble
or step on any bodies toes.

Paul Spencer

[1] http://tomcat.apache.org/whichversion.html