ADR 0002: Distributions Can Never Change Retroactively

Date: 2023-09-22

Status

Accepted (for the GitHub package pipeline)

Context

Garden Linux uses the apt package manager and bootstraps via the repo.gardenlinux.io apt repository. Every Garden Linux version corresponds directly to an apt distribution on this repository, sharing the same name. For instance, Garden Linux version 934.10 aligns with the 934.10 apt distribution.

The major apt distributions are assembled daily automatically by a GitHub pipeline. After the apt distribution (e.g. 1234.0) is created, the respective Garden Linux version is build by another automated pipeline.

One of the mission statements of Garden Linux is to ensure reproducibility of Garden Linux releases.

Decision

With the exception of next distributions, all apt distributions must be immutable. Any apt distribution used to bootstrap its corresponding Garden Linux version must never be altered retroactively.

Consequences

1. Introduction of the dynamic Garden Linux apt distribution named next
2. This next distribution is adaptable and can undergo changes at any given moment, ensuring it always encompasses the most recent package iterations.
3. When creating a major.0 release, the existing state of next is utilized.

Notes

• The today apt distribution is like a symlink to the current major version of Garden Linux, which must stay unchanged after initial creation.
• The next apt distribution serves as the basis for the upcoming major release of tomorrow.