Introduction to Multi Semantic Release
Multi Semantic Release is an innovative tool designed to extend the functionality of semantic-release to work efficiently with monorepos. Monorepos are repositories that hold multiple projects within them, which can complicate version management. This tool offers a way to streamline releases across all packages within a monorepo, easing version management and improving workflow.
Overview
One of the standout features of the original semantic-release is its ability to manage versioning and publishing automatically, without the need for manual intervention. While this is incredibly useful in single-package repositories, monorepos introduce additional challenges, particularly around managing version numbers for local dependencies. This is where Multi Semantic Release shines, automating the version bumping process across a monorepo's multiple packages.
Multi Semantic Release accommodates changes in local dependencies by automatically updating the package.json files at the time of release. This eliminates the need for hard-coding version numbers in local dependencies, reducing the chance of errors and inconsistencies.
Key Features
- CLI & JS API: Offers both command-line and JavaScript API interfaces for flexibility in usage.
- Automated Version Management: Automatically manages cross-package versioning, releasing, and dependency updates.
- Configurable Release Flows: Supports alpha and beta branch release flows.
- Multiple Package Manager Support: Works with npm (v7+), yarn, pnpm (with some limitations), and bolt-based monorepos.
- Platform Support: Compatible with Linux, macOS, and Windows systems.
- Package Ignoring: Allows optional ignoring of certain packages during the release process.
Installation and Requirements
To get started with Multi Semantic Release, you can install it via npm or yarn using the following commands:
yarn add multi-semantic-release --dev
npm i multi-semantic-release -D
Ensure you have Node.js version 10 or higher and enable git-notes for optimal functionality.
Usage
Multi Semantic Release can be utilized through a simple command:
multi-semantic-release [options]
npx multi-semantic-release [options]
The tool automatically identifies packages within a monorepo based on the configurations specified for package managers like yarn or npm in the package.json, or configurations within pnpm-workspace.yaml for pnpm, and in the bolt attribute for bolt workspaces.
Configuration
Configuration for Multi Semantic Release follows a similar pattern to semantic-release, using a release key in the package.json or a separate .releaserc file. The configuration can be applied globally or specifically for each package, with per-package settings taking precedence over global settings.
Integration with CI/CD
Multi Semantic Release is designed to integrate seamlessly with various CI/CD systems, enabling automated release processes within build pipelines. It has been tested with GitHub Actions, Travis CI, and AppVeyor, among others.
Troubleshooting and Customization
The tool offers various flags and options for fine-tuning the release process, such as managing the release type for dependencies or dealing with private or specific packages.
Final Thoughts
In summary, Multi Semantic Release extends the powerful semantic-release tool to work effectively within monorepos, offering automated, coordinated version management across multiple packages. It's a practical solution for developers looking to streamline their release process, reduce errors, and manage complex version dependencies seamlessly.