KWCChangepoint 0.2.0 Release: A Detailed Discussion

Hey guys! We're super stoked to dive into the nitty-gritty of the KWCChangepoint 0.2.0 release. This is a big milestone for us, and we want to walk you through everything that went into it. Think of this as your ultimate guide, covering everything from initial checks to the final submission. So, grab your favorite beverage, and let’s get started!

First Release Preparations

Before we even think about pushing that shiny new version out into the world, there's a whole checklist of things we need to tick off. It's like prepping for a big party – you gotta make sure everything's in place before the guests arrive. Let’s break down each step:

Using usethis::use_cran_comments()

First up, we use usethis::use_cran_comments(). This is crucial because it helps us prepare the necessary comments and information that CRAN (Comprehensive R Archive Network) requires. CRAN is the main repository for R packages, and they have pretty strict standards. This function ensures we’re not missing any vital information, like descriptions of changes or important notes for the reviewers. Think of it as our way of saying, “Hey CRAN, we’ve done our homework!”

Updating Install Instructions in README

Next, we need to update the installation instructions in our README file. This might seem minor, but it’s super important for new users. Clear and up-to-date instructions mean fewer headaches for people trying to use our package. We want to make it as easy as possible for everyone to get up and running. The goal here is to make the first experience smooth and hassle-free, ensuring users can quickly install and start using KWCChangepoint.

Proofreading Title: and Description:

Then comes the proofreading of the Title: and Description: fields. These are the first things people see when they’re browsing for packages, so they need to be spot-on. A catchy title and a clear, concise description can make all the difference in attracting users. We want to ensure our package stands out and accurately represents what KWCChangepoint is all about. This step is about making a great first impression.

Checking for @return and @examples in Exported Functions

We also meticulously check that all our exported functions have both @return and @examples documented. This is a big one for usability. @return tells users what the function will output, and @examples shows them how to use it. Good documentation is key to a successful package. It helps users understand how to use the functions correctly and efficiently. Comprehensive documentation reduces confusion and makes the package more accessible.

Ensuring Authors@R: Includes a Copyright Holder

Another critical check is making sure the Authors@R: field includes a copyright holder (role 'cph'). This is a legal requirement, and it protects our work. It’s like putting our stamp on it and saying, “This is ours, and we’re proud of it!” Properly attributing copyright ensures compliance and acknowledges the ownership of the package.

Licensing of Included Files

We also need to carefully review the licensing of any included files. This ensures we’re not inadvertently using code that’s under a license incompatible with our own. It's about playing by the rules and respecting the work of others. Understanding and adhering to licensing terms is crucial for maintaining ethical and legal standards in software development.

Reviewing Extrachecks

Finally, we review the recommendations from the extrachecks package. This is like having an extra pair of eyes looking over our work, catching any potential issues we might have missed. It helps us ensure the quality and robustness of our package. This step provides an additional layer of scrutiny, helping us identify and address any potential problems before release.

Preparing for Release: The Nitty-Gritty

Okay, so we've done the initial checks. Now, it's time to get into the more technical aspects of preparing for the release. This is where we make sure everything is running smoothly and that there are no nasty surprises waiting for us.

Git Pull

First things first, we do a git pull. This ensures our local version of the code is up-to-date with the latest changes from the repository. It’s like syncing our notes before a big meeting – we want to make sure we’re all on the same page. Keeping our local branch synchronized prevents conflicts and ensures we're working with the most current codebase.

urlchecker::url_check()

Next up is urlchecker::url_check(). This handy function checks all the URLs in our documentation and code to make sure they’re still valid. Broken links are a major annoyance for users, so this is a critical step. We want to provide a seamless experience, and that means ensuring all links are working correctly. This tool helps us maintain the integrity of our documentation and resources.

devtools::check(remote = TRUE, manual = TRUE)

Then we run devtools::check(remote = TRUE, manual = TRUE). This is the big one. It performs a comprehensive check of our package, looking for any errors, warnings, or notes that could cause problems. The remote = TRUE part means it checks the package in a clean environment, and manual = TRUE means it runs the checks that require human interaction. This is our chance to catch any issues before they become public. It's a rigorous process that helps us ensure the quality and stability of KWCChangepoint.

devtools::check_win_devel()

We also run devtools::check_win_devel(). This specifically checks our package on Windows, which can sometimes be a bit finicky. We want to make sure KWCChangepoint works well for all users, regardless of their operating system. Windows compatibility is essential for reaching a broader audience and ensuring a consistent experience across platforms.

Git Push

After all the checks pass, we do a git push. This uploads our changes to the remote repository, making them available to others. It’s like saving our work to the cloud – we want to make sure it’s backed up and accessible. Pushing our changes ensures that our team and the community can access the latest version of the code.

Draft Blog Post

We also draft a blog post to announce the release. This is a great way to communicate the new features and improvements to our users. It’s like sending out invitations to the party – we want to let everyone know what’s new and exciting. A well-written blog post can generate interest and excitement around the release.

Submitting to CRAN: The Final Step

Alright, we’re in the home stretch! We’ve done all the prep work, and now it’s time to submit our package to CRAN. This is like sending our baby off to college – it’s a big step, and we want to make sure it’s ready.

usethis::use_version('minor')

First, we use usethis::use_version('minor'). This bumps the version number of our package, indicating that we’ve made some new changes. It’s like giving our baby a new name as it grows up. Updating the version number helps users track the evolution of the package.

devtools::submit_cran()

Then comes the moment of truth: devtools::submit_cran(). This submits our package to CRAN for review. It’s like handing in our final exam – we’re hoping for a good grade! Submitting to CRAN is a critical step for making our package widely available to the R community.

Approving Email

After submitting, we need to approve the email that CRAN sends us. This is a confirmation step to make sure we really want to submit. It’s like double-checking our answers before we hand in the exam. Approving the email verifies our intent and ensures that the submission process is complete.

Waiting for CRAN: The Waiting Game

Now comes the hard part: waiting. CRAN reviewers are thorough, and it can take some time for them to review our package. This is like waiting for the exam results – it can be nerve-wracking!

Accepted :tada:

If we’re lucky, our package will be accepted! This is cause for celebration. It means we’ve met CRAN’s high standards, and our package is ready for the world. Acceptance by CRAN is a significant achievement and a validation of our work.

Finishing and Publishing Blog Post

Once our package is accepted, we finish and publish our blog post. This is our chance to officially announce the release and share all the details with our users. It’s like throwing a party to celebrate the good news. Publishing the blog post helps spread the word and engage with the community.

Adding Link to Blog Post in pkgdown News Menu

We also add a link to the blog post in our pkgdown news menu. This makes it easy for users to find out about the latest release. It’s like putting up a sign so everyone knows where the party is. Adding the link ensures that users can easily access information about the new release.

usethis::use_github_release()

Next, we use usethis::use_github_release(). This creates a release on GitHub, making it easy for users to download specific versions of our package. It’s like archiving our work so it’s always available. Creating a GitHub release provides a stable and accessible way for users to download specific versions of the package.

usethis::use_dev_version(push = TRUE)

Finally, we use usethis::use_dev_version(push = TRUE). This bumps the version number again and prepares us for the next round of development. It’s like setting up for the next project. Updating to the development version signals that we're ready to start working on new features and improvements.

Sharing on Social Media

Last but not least, we share the news on social media. This helps us reach a wider audience and get more people excited about KWCChangepoint. It’s like shouting from the rooftops – we want everyone to know! Sharing on social media amplifies our message and helps us connect with users and potential contributors.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! A detailed walkthrough of the KWCChangepoint 0.2.0 release process. It’s a lot of work, but we think it’s worth it to deliver a high-quality package to the R community. We hope this gives you a good sense of what goes into a release and maybe even inspires you in your own projects. Thanks for joining us on this journey, and stay tuned for more updates!