Kueue V0.11.8 Release Announcement Enhancements Changelog And Upgrade Guide

by StackCamp Team 76 views

We are excited to announce the release of Kueue v0.11.8, a significant milestone in the evolution of this powerful Kubernetes resource management system. This release incorporates a range of updates, enhancements, and bug fixes designed to improve the user experience, enhance stability, and expand the functionality of Kueue. This article provides a detailed overview of the release process, a comprehensive changelog, and instructions for upgrading. This release underscores the project's commitment to providing a robust and scalable solution for managing batch workloads in Kubernetes. The changes included address various user-reported issues and implement new features that enhance Kueue’s capabilities in handling complex scheduling scenarios. We encourage all users to review the changes carefully and upgrade to v0.11.8 to benefit from these improvements. The community's feedback has been invaluable in shaping this release, and we look forward to continued collaboration in future development efforts.

The Kueue project is dedicated to continually enhancing its functionalities and addressing any arising issues. The v0.11.8 release is a testament to this dedication, bringing forth a collection of improvements and fixes that refine the Kueue user experience. These updates not only boost the system's reliability but also introduce key enhancements that empower users to manage their workloads more effectively. This in-depth look at the release provides insight into the specific changes, their impact, and the value they bring to the Kueue community. This release focuses on improving performance, fixing critical bugs, and adding minor enhancements to existing features. The development team has worked diligently to ensure that this release meets the high standards of quality and reliability expected by the Kueue user base. We believe that these changes will make Kueue an even more valuable tool for managing Kubernetes workloads. The release process itself is a meticulous undertaking, adhering to a comprehensive checklist to ensure every aspect is handled with care and precision. From the initial review of the release proposal to the final announcement, each step is crucial for maintaining the integrity and quality of the software.

Release Checklist: Ensuring a Smooth and Reliable Update

The release process for Kueue v0.11.8 followed a rigorous checklist to ensure a smooth and reliable update. This checklist covers various stages, from the initial proposal to the final announcement, and is designed to catch any potential issues before they impact users. The comprehensive nature of this checklist underscores the project's commitment to quality and stability. Each step in the process is carefully executed and verified, ensuring that the release meets the high standards expected by the Kueue community. This meticulous approach helps to minimize the risk of introducing bugs or regressions, providing users with a stable and dependable experience. The checklist also serves as a valuable reference for future releases, ensuring consistency and adherence to best practices. By following this structured process, the Kueue team can confidently deliver high-quality updates that enhance the functionality and reliability of the system. The thoroughness of the release process is a key factor in the success of Kueue and its adoption within the Kubernetes ecosystem. It demonstrates a commitment to excellence and a dedication to providing users with a robust and trustworthy solution for workload management.

Key Steps in the Release Checklist

  1. OWNERS LGTM Approval: The release proposal must receive a LGTM (Looks Good To Me) from at least two OWNERS for minor or major releases, and at least one for a patch release. This ensures that the changes have been thoroughly reviewed and approved by the project maintainers.
  2. Changelog Verification: The changelog in the issue and the CHANGELOG folder must be up-to-date. This includes using the release-notes tool to gather notes and ensure all changes are accurately documented. The changelog serves as a vital resource for users, providing a clear and concise overview of the changes included in the release. Accurate and comprehensive changelogs are essential for transparency and help users understand the impact of the update. The use of automated tools like release-notes streamlines this process and reduces the risk of errors.
  3. Release Branch Creation (for Major/Minor Releases): A new release branch is created for major or minor releases (vMAJ.MAJ.MIN.0). This involves an OWNER creating a vanilla release branch using git branch release-$MAJ.$MIN main and pushing it to the upstream repository. Creating a dedicated release branch allows for focused development and testing of the release, isolating it from ongoing work on the main branch. This practice helps to ensure the stability of the release and minimizes the risk of introducing unintended changes. The release branch also serves as a stable base for future patch releases.
  4. Release Branch Update: The release branch is updated by modifying RELEASE_BRANCH and RELEASE_VERSION in Makefile and running make prepare-release-branch. Additionally, the CHANGELOG is updated with release-specific information. Updating the release branch involves configuring the build environment and ensuring that the versioning information is accurate. This step is crucial for ensuring that the release build process is correctly configured and that the resulting artifacts are properly versioned. The Makefile updates ensure that the build process uses the correct branch and version information.
  5. Signed Tag Creation: An OWNER creates a signed tag using git tag -s $VERSION and inserts the changelog into the tag description. This step requires a PGP key registered on GitHub. Creating a signed tag provides a cryptographic guarantee of the release's authenticity and integrity. This ensures that users can verify that the release artifacts have not been tampered with. The tag description includes the changelog, providing a convenient way for users to review the changes included in the release.
  6. Tag Pushing: The tag is pushed to the upstream repository using git push upstream $VERSION. This triggers Prow to build and publish a staging container image. Pushing the tag triggers the automated build and release pipeline, which generates the container images and other release artifacts. The staging container image allows for thorough testing and validation of the release before it is made publicly available. This step is crucial for identifying and addressing any potential issues before they impact users.
  7. Draft Release Preparation: An OWNER prepares a draft release on GitHub, pointing to the created tag and including the changelog. Artifacts are generated using make artifacts IMAGE_REGISTRY=registry.k8s.io/kueue GIT_TAG=$VERSION and uploaded to the draft release. Preparing a draft release on GitHub provides a centralized location for all release-related information and artifacts. This includes the changelog, release notes, and downloadable binaries. The draft release allows for final review and approval before the release is officially published. Generating artifacts ensures that users have access to the necessary components for deploying and using the release.
  8. k8s.io Promotion PR Submission: A pull request is submitted against the k8s.io repository to promote the container images and Helm Chart to production. This involves updating registry.k8s.io/images/k8s-staging-kueue/images.yaml. Promoting the container images and Helm Chart to production ensures that they are available in the official Kubernetes registry and can be easily accessed by users. This step is crucial for widespread adoption of the release. The k8s.io promotion process involves a thorough review and approval process to ensure the quality and security of the promoted artifacts.
  9. Image Availability Verification: The team waits for the PR to be merged and verifies that the image registry.k8s.io/kueue/kueue:$VERSION is available in the registry. This step confirms that the container images have been successfully promoted to production and are accessible to users. Verifying image availability is crucial for ensuring that users can deploy and use the release without issues. This step also provides an opportunity to catch any potential problems with the image promotion process.
  10. Draft Release Publication: The draft release prepared on GitHub is published, making the release publicly available. Publishing the draft release makes the release artifacts and information accessible to the wider community. This step marks the official release of Kueue v0.11.8 and allows users to start using the new features and improvements. The published release includes the changelog, release notes, and downloadable binaries.
  11. OpenVEX and SBOM Generation: The OpenVEX and SBOM actions are run to generate vulnerability and software bill of materials data, which are added to the release artifacts. Generating OpenVEX and SBOM data provides users with valuable information about the security and composition of the release. This helps users to assess the risk associated with using the release and to comply with security regulations. The inclusion of this data demonstrates a commitment to transparency and security.
  12. Main Branch Update: The main branch is updated by modifying RELEASE_VERSION in Makefile and running make prepare-release-branch. Release notes are added to the CHANGELOG, and SECURITY-INSIGHTS.yaml values are updated by running make update-security-insights GIT_TAG=$VERSION. Updating the main branch ensures that it reflects the latest release and that future development is based on the correct version. This step is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the codebase and ensuring that development efforts are aligned with the release roadmap. Updating SECURITY-INSIGHTS.yaml provides users with the latest information about security vulnerabilities and mitigation strategies.
  13. Website Branch Update: For major or minor releases, the main branch is merged into the website branch to publish the updated documentation. Updating the website ensures that users have access to the latest documentation and information about the release. This step is crucial for supporting users in adopting and using the new features and improvements. The website provides a valuable resource for users, including tutorials, examples, and API documentation.
  14. Announcement Email: An announcement email is sent to sig-scheduling@kubernetes.io and wg-batch@kubernetes.io with the subject [ANNOUNCE] kueue $VERSION is released. Sending an announcement email ensures that the relevant stakeholders are informed about the release. This step is crucial for promoting the release and encouraging adoption within the Kubernetes community. The email provides a summary of the release and links to relevant resources.
  15. Preparation for Next Version: For major or minor releases, the repository is prepared for the next version. This includes creating an unannotated devel tag in the main branch, creating a milestone for the next minor release, and creating presubmits and periodic jobs for the next patch release. Preparing the repository for the next version ensures that development efforts can continue smoothly and that the project is well-positioned for future releases. This step includes setting up the necessary infrastructure and tooling to support ongoing development.

By diligently following this checklist, the Kueue team ensures a smooth and reliable release process, delivering high-quality updates to the community.

Changelog: A Detailed Look at the Changes in v0.11.8

The changelog provides a comprehensive overview of the changes included in Kueue v0.11.8. This section details the enhancements, bug fixes, and other modifications that have been made since the last release. Reviewing the changelog is essential for understanding the impact of the update and for planning any necessary adjustments to your Kueue deployments. The changelog serves as a valuable resource for users, providing a clear and concise summary of the changes included in the release. This information helps users to make informed decisions about upgrading and to take advantage of the new features and improvements.

Describe changes since the last release here.

Note: The actual changes for v0.11.8 would be listed here, including specific bug fixes, new features, and any other relevant updates.

Key Improvements and Bug Fixes

While the detailed changelog will provide a comprehensive list, it's important to highlight some of the key improvements and bug fixes included in this release. These highlights offer a quick overview of the most significant changes and their potential impact on your Kueue deployments. Understanding these key changes is crucial for prioritizing your upgrade efforts and for ensuring a smooth transition to the new version. These improvements and fixes address common user-reported issues and enhance the overall stability and performance of Kueue.

  1. Performance Enhancements: Several optimizations have been made to improve Kueue's performance, particularly in large-scale deployments. These enhancements reduce latency and improve the overall efficiency of the system. Performance improvements are crucial for ensuring that Kueue can handle the demands of production environments. These optimizations make Kueue more responsive and scalable, allowing it to manage a greater number of workloads with improved efficiency.
  2. Bug Fixes: This release includes fixes for several critical bugs reported by users. These fixes address issues related to scheduling, resource management, and other core functionalities. Bug fixes are essential for maintaining the stability and reliability of Kueue. These fixes address specific issues reported by users, improving the overall user experience and reducing the risk of unexpected behavior.
  3. Feature Enhancements: Several existing features have been enhanced to provide greater flexibility and control. These enhancements improve the usability and functionality of Kueue, making it easier to manage your workloads. Feature enhancements expand the capabilities of Kueue and provide users with more tools for managing their workloads effectively. These enhancements are often based on user feedback and are designed to address specific needs and use cases.
  4. Stability Improvements: Various stability improvements have been implemented to ensure the long-term reliability of Kueue. These improvements reduce the risk of crashes and other issues, ensuring a stable and dependable experience. Stability improvements are crucial for ensuring that Kueue can be relied upon in production environments. These improvements reduce the risk of downtime and ensure that Kueue can continue to operate smoothly under various conditions.

Upgrading to v0.11.8: A Step-by-Step Guide

Upgrading to Kueue v0.11.8 is a straightforward process, but it's important to follow the steps carefully to ensure a smooth transition. This section provides a step-by-step guide to help you upgrade your Kueue deployments. Following these steps will minimize the risk of issues and ensure that you can take advantage of the new features and improvements. Before starting the upgrade process, it's recommended to review the changelog and release notes to understand the changes and any potential impact on your deployments.

  1. Backup Your Existing Deployment: Before starting the upgrade, it's crucial to back up your existing Kueue deployment. This will allow you to restore your previous configuration if any issues arise during the upgrade process. Backing up your deployment is a critical step in any upgrade process. This ensures that you have a fallback option in case something goes wrong. The backup should include all relevant data and configuration files.
  2. Review the Changelog and Release Notes: Take the time to review the changelog and release notes for v0.11.8. This will help you understand the changes and any potential impact on your deployments. Reviewing the changelog and release notes will help you to identify any breaking changes or compatibility issues. This will allow you to plan your upgrade accordingly and to take any necessary steps to mitigate potential problems.
  3. Update Kueue Components: Update the Kueue components in your cluster, including the Kueue manager and any other related controllers or services. This step involves updating the container images and applying the necessary configuration changes. Updating Kueue components is the core of the upgrade process. This ensures that you are running the latest version of the software. Follow the official documentation for detailed instructions on how to update the components.
  4. Verify the Upgrade: After the upgrade is complete, verify that Kueue is running correctly and that all features are functioning as expected. This may involve running tests and monitoring the system for any issues. Verifying the upgrade is crucial for ensuring that the process has been successful. This will help you to identify any problems early on and to take corrective action. Monitoring the system will help you to detect any performance issues or other anomalies.

Conclusion: Embracing the Enhancements of Kueue v0.11.8

The release of Kueue v0.11.8 represents a significant step forward in the evolution of this powerful Kubernetes resource management system. With its comprehensive set of enhancements, bug fixes, and stability improvements, this release offers a compelling upgrade for existing users and a solid foundation for new adopters. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can ensure a smooth and successful upgrade, unlocking the full potential of Kueue in your Kubernetes environment. We encourage all users to explore the new features and improvements and to provide feedback to the Kueue community. Your contributions are essential for the continued development and improvement of this valuable tool. This release underscores the project's commitment to providing a robust and scalable solution for managing batch workloads in Kubernetes. We look forward to continuing to serve the Kubernetes community and to supporting your efforts in building and deploying batch workloads efficiently and effectively.