Mozilla developers consider even shorter release cycle
While some users are struggling with the fact that a new version of the free Firefox browser is released every six weeks, the developers have been discussing an even shorter release cycle. A thread on a mailing list revolves around whether to shorten the cycle to five weeks or less.
On the mailing list, Josh Aas suggested testing the accelerated approach: "I suspect the only way to know if we can do it is to try – we can always back off if it doesn't work out". Others disagreed, pointing out that many users are already unhappy with the current six week update cycle: "It might be better to wait a while until people become convinced that every update isn't going to break all their extensions, and plugins, and themes". Various Add-on developers have also been sceptical about further accelerating the release process.
However, Christian Legnitto, who is responsible for the browser's release policy, has advocated shortening the cycle – but only once the current process works smoothly. The developer said that a further acceleration will need to be announced well in advance and in a way that makes it easy to understand. Legnitto added that he will publish further information on the Firefox release cycles: "We have a list of pain points and benefits and I will be articulating them in the coming weeks with various blog posts and videos. We've been doing a horrible job communicating about them and I intend to fix that (as it is mainly my fault)."
See also:
- Mozilla chair defends Firefox rapid release process, a report from The H.
- Mozilla calls to the enterprise, a report from The H.
- Mozilla strikes a conciliatory tone with enterprises, a report from The H.
(crve)