Maybe this is a silly question, but I haven’t found an answer: what should be the default branch for safe updates? I don’t want to break my production server by having some random failiures due to main branch issues? Should I just follow the latest tag? I.e. v3.2.0 currently?

Hello and welcome @CGenie :slight_smile: I think the majority of people use the default tests-passed branch, though some will use beta or stable. There’s a bit more info on the differences in Configure a supported tracking branch to get Discourse software updates

The answer, imho, is stable as it receives minor bug fixes and security patches without changing most of the code significantly, usually resulting in greater compatibility as you upgrade through each patch. The downside is that moving a minor version increase to, say 3.3.0 (in the future) might involve more significant changes you will have to deal with in “one go” instead of as a drip feed. This can especially impact customisations, e.g. bespoke plugins, that were built with the prior minor version in mind, but not tested on the new 3.3.x series of beta releases. On balance I’d suggest going stable if you don’t mind missing out on the very latest features.

Though I think even on tests-passed you’re in control of your own updates and can defer until you have time to check out any new features (possibly on a staging site if needed).

OK so another silly question: I use discourse_docker to deploy the server. It seems discourse is set up with main branch. How can I change that to tests-passed?

Aah, ok, version in containers/app.yml is by default on tests-passed. So I guess this is a sane config between stability and new features?

[image] Robert: The answer, imho, is stable Word. And this is based on several years of experience in running a large-ish forum as self host. While beta or test-passed receives fixes and new features faster, the stable branch is predictable. You know when major changes happen (version upgrades) and that in between versions the changes are minor. This way you can plan your own resources, prepare for some necessary testing effort, and potential breakage of your customizations (custom themes etc.).

What’s the best/safest branch not break production site?

Product Support Self-hosting

Moin February 28, 2024, 7:00am 3

Understanding Discourse release channels also explains the differences.

Topic		Replies	Views
What is the best branch of github.com/discourse/discourse？ Feature	2	1003	July 24, 2020
Need a better way to explain what branch to be on, why, and what happens Product Support	15	2096	September 30, 2022
How to avoid Discourse BETA version and keep only stable? Product Support	1	1020	July 28, 2020
Stable Release Channel Product Support	6	2527	June 17, 2020
Is Discourse always in "beta"? Product Support	22	6757	May 9, 2023

What’s the best/safest branch not break production site?

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