KDE 4.3 branched, trunk is now 4.4

The release team has just done something a bit different from past release cycles to test out some modifications to our usual work flow: with the release of the first release candidate, 4.3 has been immediately branched off of the mainline trunk, and trunk is now 4.4. In the past we've done this only when the new release is actually made, not during the release candidates.

This gives people working on 4.4 features, or fixes that can only go into 4.4 due to things like string changes, a free hand without having to wait out the weeks during the extra hard freeze that comes with release candidates. This is very nice timing for Akademy, which is coming up very soon now.

That means that if you fix a bug in trunk, you now have to backport it to the 4.3 branch. I updated the svnbackport script in kdesdk/scripts/ today to target the 4.3 branch by default. Please keep up with all the great bug fixing for 4.3 so we can make 4.3.0 as solid as possible. Even though 4.3 has been branched, there is still time for yet more fixes.

It does sort of really send home, at least for me, the fact that 4.3 is essentially ready to go and to start thinking about the imminent start on 4.4. Today I bumped the version of libplasma and started a new changelog file for 4.4. The changelog for Plasma in 4.3 has become rather impressive, despite us sticking to our "only significant changes" mantra.

With this moment upon us, I feel compelled to write about some of the more interesting changes in Plasma and the KDE workspace in 4.3, and I will do so tomorrow. It'll either be text with screenshots or less text and a screencast. I'm still deciding, though I have a small list of topics written down.

Later in the week I'll lay out what we already know is going to be happening KDE 4.4 with regards to Plasma.

To those working on other parts of 4.3, I'd be really interested in reading something similar in your blogs. Little "wrap up" pieces are fun, enjoyable and informative. They're like little hugs wrapped in RSS.

Right now, however, I have to clean up and get ready: this evening I'm hosting a small "I'm leaving, huzzah!" evening at a local fine cheese shop for some friends and family. The shop is providing one of their cheese-heads, er, maître fromager to walk us through the 50-something cheeses they have in their display cabinet. Together with good company and a little wine, it should be great fun. I can't wait! :)

Which reminds me how this week is all about flux: not only is 4.3 trundling to the launch gate and 4.4 picking up its first sparks, but P. finished grade 3 this week and will be off to Vancouver in just one more week. That will mark the start of my "pack the house and move" period. So many changes and so much going on ... while it feels like there's never enough time (there isn't), I wouldn't have it any other way.

luv 'n hugs, aseigo.