The Future of OLM: Insights from the OLM Working Group Meeting

The Future of OLM: Insights from the OLM Working Group Meeting

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Default Channel Override Support
3. New Features in Upstream
4. Dependency Resolution Scenarios
5. Announcement of Future Development Meeting
6. Operator Signals Upgrade Readiness
7. Smart Auto Updates
8. New Operator API
9. Dependency Resolution and Frequencies
10. Cash Issues with Catalog Source

Introduction

In this article, we will discuss various topics related to the recent Olm Dev Working Group meeting and the updates discussed during the meeting. We will cover topics such as default channel override support, new features in upstream, dependency resolution scenarios, and the announcement of a future development meeting. Additionally, we will explore operator signals upgrade readiness, smart auto updates, the new operator API, and the issues related to dependency resolution and cash with the catalog source.

Default Channel Override Support

During the meeting, the topic of default channel override support was brought up. The need for this support was highlighted, especially until the rest of the dependency management features are implemented. The Current status of this feature was discussed, including efforts to prioritize it within the OCP releases. It was Mentioned that communication regarding the progress of this feature within the upstream community has been challenging. To address this, a new meeting will be scheduled to discuss the ongoing development and assign tasks to contributors. This meeting will help improve communication and make fixes apparent.

New Features in Upstream

The meeting also touched upon some new features that will be introduced in the upstream community. One of the features discussed was the operator signals upgrade readiness. This feature aims to allow operators to establish critical sections during the upgrade process, preventing upgrades while certain processes are still underway. This feature is considered crucial for ensuring smooth upgrades and preventing potential issues. Another feature mentioned was smart auto updates, which combines automatic and manual update processes for install plans. This feature allows for automatic z-stream updates while also allowing manual x.y updates.

Dependency Resolution Scenarios

Dependency resolution was another important topic discussed during the meeting. It was highlighted that dependency management is becoming increasingly vital, and various scenarios and requirements were shared. This includes the introduction of labels, GVK, and operator range Lookup. The discussion also touched on the significance of separating frequencies from semvers for enhanced dependency management. While there are ongoing efforts to improve dependency resolution, including channels and weighted frequencies, there is still work to be done.

Announcement of Future Development Meeting

In the meeting, an announcement was made regarding a future development meeting. This meeting aims to provide a platform for discussing upcoming features, enhancements, and bug fixes. It will serve as an opportunity to have in-depth discussions about the roadmap and priorities for future development. The details of this meeting will be shared via email, ensuring that contributors and users are aware of the upcoming discussions and can actively participate in shaping the future of the project.

Operator Signals Upgrade Readiness

One of the new features discussed in the meeting was operator signals upgrade readiness. This feature will allow operators to signal when a critical section is upcoming, preventing upgrades during critical processes such as migrations. By establishing clear signals, operators can ensure that upgrades only occur when it is safe to do so. This feature brings an added level of control and reliability to the upgrade process.

Smart Auto Updates

Another feature mentioned in the meeting was smart auto updates. This feature is a combination of automatic and manual update processes for install plans. It allows for automatic z-stream updates while providing the flexibility to perform manual x.y updates. This hybrid approach ensures that updates can be customized according to specific requirements and minimizes disruptions that may arise from automatic updates.

New Operator API

The meeting shed light on the new operator API. This API is currently in a tech preview and provides Read-only access to operator information. It allows operators to retrieve aggregate status information about their components and simplifies the process of monitoring and managing operators. While this API is still in development, it offers promising possibilities for future enhancements and integrations.

Dependency Resolution and Frequencies

Dependency resolution and frequencies were discussed during the meeting. The use of channels as a means to manage frequency was explored, with the proposal to assign weights to each channel. This would allow for more precise control over the resolution process, ensuring that the desired frequency is prioritized. While this proposal is still being refined, it presents a promising direction for enhanced dependency management.

Cash Issues with Catalog Source

The meeting also addressed cash issues related to the catalog source. It was noted that the current cache implementation may lead to outdated or incorrect information when catalog sources are deleted and recreated. This caching issue can cause inconsistencies in resolving dependencies and hinder accurate dependency management. Workarounds were suggested, such as using different names for catalog sources or waiting for the ready status before proceeding. Additionally, a discussion was initiated to identify a more robust and intuitive caching strategy that would alleviate these issues in the long term.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Olm Dev Working Group meeting covered a range of topics related to default channel override support, new features in upstream, dependency resolution scenarios, and future development plans. The meeting highlighted the importance of effective communication, collaborative efforts, and the need for reliable dependency management solutions. As the project progresses, it is essential to address the identified challenges and Continue striving for improvements in order to ensure a seamless and efficient operator ecosystem.

[Highlights]

• Default channel override support is necessary until complete dependency management features are implemented.
• New features in upstream include operator signals upgrade readiness and smart auto updates.
• The introduction of labels and weighted frequencies improves dependency resolution scenarios.
• An announcement was made regarding a future development meeting to discuss upcoming features and enhancements.
• The new operator API provides read-only access to operator information for Simplified management.
• Cache issues with the catalog source require workarounds for accurate dependency management.

FAQ:

Q: What is default channel override support? A: Default channel override support allows users to override the default channel, providing flexibility in managing dependencies.

Q: What are the new features in upstream? A: The new features include operator signals upgrade readiness and smart auto updates, enhancing the upgrade process.

Q: How does the new operator API benefit users? A: The new operator API provides read-only access to operator information, simplifying management and monitoring.

Q: How can cache issues with the catalog source be addressed? A: Workarounds include using different names for catalog sources or waiting for the ready status before proceeding. Further improvements are being explored.