[Fedora-packaging] Changelog usage clarification

[Jamie Nguyen]

On 31/05/13 16:42, Antonio wrote:
> I need a clarification about the Changelog section in a spec file 
> during a package review process.
> 
> In particular, pursuant to 
> http://fedoraproject.org/wiki/Packaging:Guidelines#Changelogs
> guidelines:
> 
>> Every time you make changes, that is, whenever you increment the
> E-V-R >of a package, add a changelog entry.
>> ... Changelog entries should provide a brief summary of the
>> changes done to the package between releases, including noting
>> updating to a new version, adding a patch, fixing other spec
>> sections, note bugs fixed, and CVE's if any
> 
> In https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=966201, David says
> that Changelog changes' list is not necessary during package review
> process because it is still a "initial package" state.
> 
> For all my packages and not only, every one always asks me to
> update the Changelog, also for a minimal modification in a package 
> pre-review/review process. To be sure and to resolve this issue
> with David, I need some clarification regard to how to use properly
> the Changelog section since the first package review submit.

David is correct that updating the changelog is not a mandatory part
of the review process, but at the same time it can be (and is often)
very helpful. I've seen many reviewers request that the changelog is
updated during the review process. For all of my review requests I
increment the Release tag and add a changelog entry. It makes it then
very easy to follow the evolution of the package. And for reviews that
I perform myself, I always prefer packagers to increment Release and
add a changelog entry.

I'd say that if the reviewer assigns themselves to a review and
requests nicely (as you have done) that the packager adds changelog
entries for each change, then the packager should strive to do so,
since making life easier for the reviewer can only be a good thing
(especially since reviewing packages is often a thankless task).


Kind regards,

-- 
Jamie Nguyen