Introduction to HTCondor Versions

This chapter provides descriptions of what features have been added or bugs fixed for each release of HTCondor. The first section describes the HTCondor version numbering scheme, what the numbers mean, and what the different releases are. The rest of the sections each describe the specific releases.

HTCondor Version Number Scheme

We changed the version numbering scheme after the 9.1.3 release: what would have been the next 9.1.x release is now the 9.2.0 release. We made this change to give us additional flexibility in releasing small updates to address specific issues without disturbing the normal development of HTCondor. The version number will still retain the MAJOR.MINOR.PATCH form with slightly different meanings. We have borrowed ideas from Semantic Versioning.

  • The MAJOR number increments for each new Long Term Support (LTS) release. A new LTS release may have backward-incompatible changes and may require updates to configuration files. If the current LTS release is 23.0.6, the next one will be 24.0.0. A new LTS release is expected about every twelve months in August. The LTS major version number matches the year of initial release.

  • The MINOR number increments each feature release. This number stays at 0 for LTS releases. If the current feature release is 23.2.0, the next one will be 23.3.0. A new feature release is expected every month.

  • The PATCH number increments when we have targeted fixes. For the LTS releases, a patch release is expected every month and may occur more frequently if a serious problem is discovered. For the feature releases, the frequency of patch releases depends on the demand for quick updates.

Types of Releases

  • An LTS release is numbered X.0.0, and is a new long-term support release. The previous LTS release is supported for six months after a new LTS version is released. The final feature release undergoes a stabilization effort where the software is run through multiple code quality tools (such as Valgrind) to assure the best possible LTS release. The MAJOR.0.0 version is not released until the stabilization effort is complete. Paid support contracts are only available for the LTS release.

  • An LTS patch release is numbered X.0.Z, and is an update to the LTS major release. The patches are reviewed to ensure correctness and compatibility with the LTS release. These releases contain bug fixes and security updates and are released when a major issue is identified, or just before the next feature release. These releases go through our entire testing process. Large code changes are not permitted in the LTS release. Enhancements are not implemented in the LTS release unless there is minimal impact with a major benefit. Ports to new platforms will appear in the LTS release. The HTCondor team guarantees that patches to the LTS release are compatible.

  • A feature release is numbered X.Y.0 and includes one or more new features. The software goes through our entire testing process. We use these releases in production at the Center for High Throughput Computing. These releases contain all the patches from the LTS release and all the patches from the to the feature releases. The HTCondor development team guarantees protocol compatibility between the feature releases and the LTS release. However, changes in behavior may be observed, and adjustments to configuration may be required when new features are implemented.

  • A feature patch release is numbered X.Y.Z and contains targeted patches to address a specific issue with a feature release. specific issue with a feature release. If there is a specific need to be addressed before 23.3.0 is tested and ready, we would issue a 23.2.1 patch release. These releases have undergone code review and light testing. These patch releases are cumulative.

%%{init: { 'gitGraph': {'showCommitLabel': false, 'mainBranchName': 'lts-23'}} }%% gitGraph TB: commit tag:"23.0.0" branch "feature 23.x" checkout "lts-23" commit tag:"23.0.1" checkout "feature 23.x" merge "lts-23" commit tag:"23.1.0" commit tag:"23.1.1" commit tag:"23.1.2" checkout "lts-23" commit tag:"23.0.2" checkout "feature 23.x" merge "lts-23" commit tag:"23.2.0" commit tag:"23.2.1" branch "lts-24" commit tag:"24.0.0" branch "feature 24.x" checkout "lts-24" commit tag:"24.0.1" checkout "feature 24.x" merge "lts-24" commit tag:"24.1.0" commit tag:"24.1.1" commit tag:"24.1.2"

Support Life Cycle

We plan to release a new LTS version every August. The support life cycles are directly related to the release dates.

HTCondor Support Life Cycle

Version

Release

End of Regular Support

End of Security Suport

23.x

September 29, 2023

August 2024

August 2024

23.0

September 29, 2023

August 2024

August 2025

10.x

November 10, 2022

September 29, 2023

September 29, 2023

10.0

November 10, 2022

September 29, 2023

August 2024

Repositories

These releases will be served out of three repositories.

  • The LTS release and its patches (X.0.Z) are in the existing Stable channel.

  • The feature releases (X.Y.0) are in the existing Current channel.

  • A new Updates channel will contain quick patch releases (X.Y.Z).

Recommendations

If you are new to HTCondor or require maximum stability in your environment, use an LTS release. Updates to the latest LTS release should be seamless. A new LTS release will appear about every twelve months with clear directions on issues to address when upgrading to the new LTS release.

If you want to take advantage of the latest features, use the feature releases. This is an opportunity see our development directions early, and have some influence on the features being implemented. It is what we use in our production environment.

If you want to run the very latest release, also enable the updates repository to get the targeted fixes. However, these fixes may come frequently, and you may wish to pick and choose which updates to install.