How to test new features in Joomla!
Posted: Sat Apr 27, 2024 5:14 am
How can I test new things in Joomla
- Install Joomla and use it as you would normally.
- There is a "testers guide" somewhere on Joomla.org with a list of the things one should test but I'm not sure where.
- Periodically the dev team will request Release Candidates (see the Announcements Forum) be tested. Joomla comes out with updates about every 6 weeks on average. The Release Candidate (RC) comes out about 14 days before the final stable release, and the Announcements forum will have a post requesting testing (and a list of all the bugs and security fixes (or new features, if applicable) completed for that release. Typical testing might include ensuring the RC Joomla Update component works, with updating a current Joomla to the RC version or testing extensions that work with the RC and so forth (plus testing every other function of the CMS methodically).
- You can test the nightly builds of future planned releases(found here: https://developer.joomla.org/nightly-builds.html) which are alpha or beta stage builds of upcoming releases but not for production sites - testing only.
- You can also install the Patch Tester component which allows you to temporarily install any patches developed to fix bugs or security issues (not new features AFAIK)
- Refer to the Github site for more on the activity concerning the actual development.
- Similarly the Issue Tracker allows you to submit your own bugs or requests for fixes, or feature requests but bear in mind the volunteer community's time and resource capacity.