Releasing Typst Packages: A Guide Or Automation Via GitHub

The release process for Typst packages can sometimes feel like navigating a maze. To streamline this, we can either create a comprehensive guide that clearly outlines each step, or we can leverage the power of automation using GitHub Workflows. Both approaches have their merits, and this article will explore both avenues in detail.

Documenting the Release Process

Creating clear and concise documentation is crucial for making the release process accessible to everyone, regardless of their experience level. This documentation should serve as a single source of truth, providing step-by-step instructions and troubleshooting tips. Let's break down what this documentation should include:

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Preparing Your Package: Before diving into the release, you need to ensure your package is in tip-top shape. This involves double-checking your typst.toml file to make sure the name, version, and entrypoint are all correctly configured. Your package should also include comprehensive documentation and examples to help users understand how to use it effectively. Run tests and examples to verify that everything is working as expected. Consider adding a README.md file that provides a quick start guide and an overview of your package's features.
• Versioning: Adhering to semantic versioning (SemVer) is essential. Increment your package's version number according to the changes you've made. If you've added new features, increment the minor version. If you've fixed bugs, increment the patch version. If you've made breaking changes, increment the major version. This helps users understand the impact of updates and manage dependencies effectively. Use tags in your Git repository to mark each release.
• Creating a Pull Request: Once your package is prepared and versioned, it's time to create a pull request (PR) to the typst/packages repository. In your PR description, clearly outline the changes you've made, the reason for the release, and any potential impact on users. Include links to relevant issues or discussions. Make sure your PR title follows a consistent format, such as "Release v1.2.3 of my-package".
• Review Process: Be prepared for the review process. The maintainers of the typst/packages repository will review your PR to ensure it meets their standards. They may request changes or provide feedback. Respond to their comments promptly and address any concerns they raise. Be patient and collaborative, as this process ensures the quality and consistency of the Typst package ecosystem.
• Addressing Feedback: When reviewers provide feedback, take the time to understand their concerns and address them thoroughly. Make the necessary changes to your package and update your PR. Clearly communicate the changes you've made in response to the feedback. This iterative process helps improve the quality of your package and ensures it meets the requirements of the typst/packages repository.
• Merging: Once your PR has been approved, it will be merged into the typst/packages repository. This makes your package available to the Typst community. Congratulations! Monitor the package discussion category for any feedback or issues reported by users.
• Post-Release: After your package is released, continue to monitor it for any issues or feedback. Be responsive to user reports and address any bugs or feature requests promptly. Consider creating a changelog to document the changes you've made in each release. This helps users stay informed about the evolution of your package and encourages them to keep it up to date.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• typst.toml Errors: Typos or incorrect configurations in your typst.toml file can prevent your package from being recognized. Double-check the file for any errors and ensure it conforms to the expected format.
• Version Conflicts: Conflicting dependencies can cause issues during installation or usage. Specify version ranges for your dependencies in your typst.toml file to avoid conflicts. Use tools like cargo update to resolve dependency issues.
• Review Delays: The review process can sometimes take time, especially if the maintainers are busy. Be patient and follow up politely if you haven't received a response after a reasonable amount of time.
• Rejection Reasons: If your PR is rejected, carefully review the reasons provided by the maintainers. Address their concerns and resubmit your PR with the necessary changes.

Best Practices

• Keep it Concise: Use clear and simple language, avoiding jargon or technical terms that may confuse new users.
• Provide Examples: Illustrate each step with concrete examples to make it easier to follow.
• Use Visuals: Include screenshots or diagrams to clarify complex processes.
• Keep it Updated: Regularly review and update the documentation to reflect any changes in the release process.

Automating the Release Process with GitHub Workflows

Automating the release process can significantly reduce the manual effort involved and minimize the risk of errors. GitHub Workflows provide a powerful way to automate tasks based on events in your repository. Here's how you can use them to streamline your Typst package releases:

Workflow Design

• Trigger: Define a trigger that initiates the workflow. This could be a new tag being pushed to the repository, a commit to a specific branch, or a manual trigger.
• Steps: Define the steps that the workflow will execute. These steps could include:
  • Checking out the code.
  • Validating the typst.toml file.
  • Running tests and examples.
  • Incrementing the version number.
  • Creating a pull request to the typst/packages repository.

Workflow Implementation

Here's an example of a GitHub Workflow that automates the release process:

name: Release Typst Package

on:
  push:
    tags:
      - 'v*'

jobs:
  release:
    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
    steps:
      - uses: actions/checkout@v3
      - name: Set up Typst
        uses: typst-actions/setup-typst@v0
      - name: Validate typst.toml
        run: typst compile typst.toml
      - name: Run tests
        run: # Add your test commands here
      - name: Increment version number
        run: # Add commands to increment version number based on SemVer
      - name: Create Pull Request
        uses: peter-evans/create-pull-request@v5
        with:
          token: ${{ secrets.GITHUB_TOKEN }}
          title: Release v${{ github.ref_name }} of my-package
          body: | 
            This PR releases version ${{ github.ref_name }} of my-package.
            
            - Updated dependencies
            - Fixed bug in rendering
          branch: release-${{ github.ref_name }}
          base: main

Creating a New PR or Updating an Existing One

The workflow can be configured to either create a new PR for each release or update an existing one if it's not yet accepted. This can be achieved by checking if a PR already exists for the current version and updating it if it does. The peter-evans/create-pull-request action supports updating existing PRs by specifying the draft: false parameter.

      - name: Create or Update Pull Request
        uses: peter-evans/create-pull-request@v5
        with:
          token: ${{ secrets.GITHUB_TOKEN }}
          title: Release v${{ github.ref_name }} of my-package
          body: |
            This PR releases version ${{ github.ref_name }} of my-package.
          branch: release-${{ github.ref_name }}
          base: main
          draft: false # Set to false to create a ready-for-review PR

Benefits of Automation

• Reduced Manual Effort: Automate repetitive tasks, freeing up time for more important work.
• Minimized Errors: Reduce the risk of human error by automating the release process.
• Increased Efficiency: Streamline the release process, making it faster and more efficient.
• Improved Consistency: Ensure that releases are consistent and follow the same process every time.

Conclusion

Whether you choose to document the release process or automate it with GitHub Workflows, the goal is to make it easier and more efficient for everyone to contribute to the Typst package ecosystem. Clear documentation empowers users to understand the process and contribute effectively, while automation streamlines the process and reduces the risk of errors. By combining these two approaches, we can create a robust and user-friendly release process that benefits the entire Typst community.

For more information on GitHub Workflows, visit the GitHub Actions Documentation.