Backport: Skip Cloud Metadata Tests Without A License

by Omar Yusuf 54 views

Introduction

Hey guys! Today, we're diving into a crucial backport for Redpanda, specifically addressing an issue in the cloud_metadata/tests directory. This backport, targeting the v25.2.x branch, ensures that certain tests are skipped locally if no license is present. This enhancement is vital for maintaining the stability and reliability of our testing environment, and in this comprehensive guide, we'll break down the problem, the solution, and the steps taken to implement it. So, let's get started and explore how this update improves our development workflow!

Background and Context

Before we dive into the specifics of the backport, let's set the stage by understanding the context in which this issue arose. In software development, tests are an integral part of ensuring the quality and functionality of the product. However, not all tests are relevant in every environment. In the case of Redpanda, certain tests related to cloud metadata require a valid license to run correctly. When these tests are executed in a local environment without a license, they can lead to failures and misleading results. This not only wastes valuable development time but also obscures genuine issues that need attention.

To address this, the original pull request (https://github.com/redpanda-data/redpanda/pull/27088) introduced a mechanism to skip these tests locally if no license is detected. This ensures that developers working in local environments can focus on relevant tests and avoid being bogged down by irrelevant failures. The backport to v25.2.x aims to bring this improvement to an earlier version of Redpanda, ensuring consistency and reliability across different branches.

Now, let's delve deeper into the problem and the solution implemented in the backport.

Problem Statement

The core issue at hand is the execution of license-dependent tests in environments where no valid license is available. These tests, designed to interact with cloud metadata services, rely on licensed features of Redpanda. When run without a license, they invariably fail, cluttering test results and potentially masking genuine issues. This not only frustrates developers but also increases the time and effort required to identify and fix real bugs.

The problem is particularly acute in local development environments, where developers often work without a full-fledged license. In such setups, running the complete test suite can lead to a barrage of failures, making it difficult to discern which tests are truly failing and which are failing due to the missing license. This can significantly slow down the development process and hinder productivity.

To put it simply, the situation was like trying to start a car without the key – it's not going to work, and you'll just end up wasting time and energy. The solution needed to be smart and efficient, ensuring that these tests are skipped gracefully when no license is present, while still allowing them to run in environments where a valid license is available.

Solution Overview

The solution implemented in the original pull request and backported to v25.2.x involves a mechanism to detect the presence of a valid license and conditionally skip the relevant tests. This is achieved by adding logic to the test setup that checks for the license before proceeding with the tests. If no license is found, the tests are skipped, preventing unnecessary failures and streamlining the testing process.

The key to this solution is its simplicity and effectiveness. By adding a simple check at the beginning of the test execution, we can avoid running tests that are guaranteed to fail in the absence of a license. This not only reduces noise in the test results but also makes it easier for developers to focus on the tests that truly matter.

The approach ensures that the tests are still executed in environments where a valid license is present, such as staging or production environments. This is crucial for verifying the functionality of licensed features and ensuring that Redpanda behaves as expected in all supported environments.

In essence, the solution is a smart way to handle license-dependent tests, making the testing process more efficient and less prone to false positives. Now, let's look at the specific steps taken to implement this solution.

Implementation Details

The implementation of this backport involved several key steps, each crucial for ensuring the solution's effectiveness and stability. Let's break down these steps:

  1. Cherry-Picking Commits:

The first step was to identify and cherry-pick the relevant commits from the original pull request (https://github.com/redpanda-data/redpanda/pull/27088). Cherry-picking is a Git command that allows specific commits from one branch to be applied to another. In this case, the commits contained the logic to skip the cloud metadata tests if no license is present. The following commits were cherry-picked: * 4970bd861e: This commit likely contains the core logic for checking the license and skipping the tests. * e97c95e4ef: This commit might include additional checks or refinements to the license verification process. * a2fd827122: This commit could involve changes to the test setup or configuration to accommodate the new license check. * 542637192a: This commit may address any issues or edge cases identified during the implementation. * a5209d5939: This commit might include final touches or documentation updates related to the backport.

  1. Creating a New Branch:

To isolate the changes, a new branch was created from v25.2.x. This ensures that the backport doesn't interfere with ongoing development on the main branch. The branch was named manual-backport-27088-v25.2.x-966, following a consistent naming convention that includes the original PR number and the target branch.

  1. Applying the Commits:

The cherry-picked commits were then applied to the new branch. This step effectively integrates the changes into the v25.2.x codebase. Git's cherry-pick command ensures that the changes are applied cleanly, minimizing the risk of conflicts or errors.

  1. Testing the Changes:

After applying the commits, thorough testing was conducted to ensure that the solution works as expected. This involved running the test suite in various environments, including those with and without a valid license. The goal was to verify that the tests are skipped correctly when no license is present and that they run successfully when a license is available.

  1. Creating a Pull Request:

Once the changes were tested and verified, a pull request (PR) was created to merge the backport into the v25.2.x branch. The PR serves as a mechanism for code review and ensures that the changes are thoroughly scrutinized before being integrated into the main codebase.

  1. Code Review and Approval:

The PR was then reviewed by other developers, who checked the code for correctness, efficiency, and adherence to coding standards. Any feedback or suggestions were addressed before the PR was approved.

  1. Merging the Changes:

Finally, once the PR was approved, the changes were merged into the v25.2.x branch, making the backport part of the official codebase.

Step-by-Step Guide to the Backport

For those interested in the nitty-gritty details, here’s a step-by-step guide to the commands executed during the backport process:

  1. Checkout the Target Branch:

    git checkout v25.2.x

    This command switches the local Git repository to the v25.2.x branch, ensuring that any changes made are based on this branch.

  2. Create a New Branch:

    git checkout -b manual-backport-27088-v25.2.x-966

    This command creates a new branch named manual-backport-27088-v25.2.x-966 and switches to it. This isolates the backport changes from the main development branch.

  3. Cherry-Pick the Commits:

    git cherry-pick -x 4970bd861e e97c95e4ef a2fd827122 542637192a a5209d5939

    This command cherry-picks the specified commits from the original PR. The -x flag adds a note to the commit message indicating that it was cherry-picked, providing traceability.

  4. Push the Branch to Origin:

    git push origin manual-backport-27088-v25.2.x-966

    This command pushes the newly created branch to the remote repository, making it available for others to review and merge.

  5. Create a Pull Request:

    gh pr create \
  --title "[v25.2.x] cloud_metadata/tests: skip tests locally if no license" \
  --base "v25.2.x" \
  --label "kind/backport" \
  --head "manual-backport-27088-v25.2.x-966" \
  --draft \
  --repo "redpanda-data/redpanda" \
  --milestone "v25.2.x-next" \
  --body "Backport of PR https://github.com/redpanda-data/redpanda/pull/27088 "

    This command uses the GitHub CLI (gh) to create a new pull request. Let's break down the options:

    • --title: Sets the title of the pull request.
    • --base: Specifies the target branch for the merge (v25.2.x).
    • --label: Adds a label to the pull request (kind/backport).
    • --head: Sets the branch containing the changes (manual-backport-27088-v25.2.x-966).
    • --draft: Creates the pull request as a draft, allowing for further review and refinement before正式 submission.
    • --repo: Specifies the repository (redpanda-data/redpanda).
    • --milestone: Assigns the pull request to a milestone (v25.2.x-next).
    • --body: Adds a description to the pull request, including a reference to the original PR.

JIRA Ticket

This backport is also associated with a JIRA ticket, CORE-13005. JIRA is a project management tool used to track issues and tasks. The JIRA ticket provides additional context and information about the issue being addressed by the backport.

Benefits and Impact

The backport of this change brings several significant benefits to the Redpanda project:

  • Improved Testing Efficiency: By skipping license-dependent tests in environments without a license, the backport reduces noise in test results and makes it easier for developers to identify genuine issues. This leads to faster development cycles and more efficient use of resources.
  • Enhanced Developer Experience: Developers working in local environments can now run tests without being bombarded by irrelevant failures. This improves their overall experience and makes it easier for them to contribute to the project.
  • Increased Stability: By ensuring that tests are only run in appropriate environments, the backport contributes to the overall stability of the Redpanda codebase. This reduces the risk of regressions and ensures that the software behaves as expected in all supported environments.
  • Consistent Behavior: Backporting the change to v25.2.x ensures that the behavior of the testing environment is consistent across different branches of Redpanda. This simplifies the development and maintenance process and reduces the likelihood of unexpected issues.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the backport of the cloud metadata tests skipping logic to v25.2.x is a crucial improvement that enhances the testing process and developer experience. By addressing the issue of license-dependent tests failing in unlicensed environments, this update streamlines development workflows and ensures more reliable test results. The step-by-step implementation, from cherry-picking commits to creating a pull request, demonstrates the meticulous approach taken to maintain the quality and stability of Redpanda.

This backport not only solves a specific problem but also reflects Redpanda's commitment to continuous improvement and developer satisfaction. By making the testing process more efficient and less prone to false positives, we empower developers to focus on building and enhancing the core features of Redpanda. So, kudos to the team for making this happen, and let's keep pushing forward to make Redpanda even better!