EVerest Monorepo: Documentation Updates & Discussion

Moving to a monorepository structure for EVerest is a significant change, and with it comes the crucial task of updating our documentation. This article outlines the necessary updates to the EVerest documentation to align with the new repository structure. We'll dive into the reasons behind this move, the benefits of a monorepository, and the specific changes needed in the documentation. This is an open discussion, so your input and feedback are highly valued!

Understanding the Monorepository Migration

The core concept behind the move to a monorepository is to consolidate all EVerest-related code, libraries, and tools into a single repository. Previously, EVerest utilized a multirepository approach, where different components resided in separate repositories. While this approach has its merits, a monorepository offers a streamlined workflow and improved collaboration. The primary driver for this change is to simplify dependency management, enhance code sharing, and foster a more unified development experience across the EVerest project. Think of it as bringing all the puzzle pieces together in one box, making it easier to see the bigger picture and how everything fits. Shifting to a monorepository directly impacts how developers interact with the codebase, build processes, and, of course, the documentation.

Benefits of a Monorepository Structure

Adopting a monorepository structure brings a host of advantages to the EVerest project. Let's explore some key benefits:

• Simplified Dependency Management: In a monorepository, all dependencies are managed centrally. This eliminates the complexities of managing versions across multiple repositories and reduces the risk of dependency conflicts. This is a significant advantage as it ensures that all components are built and tested against the same versions of their dependencies, leading to a more stable and predictable system. Imagine trying to build a house with bricks from different manufacturers – a monorepository ensures all your bricks are from the same batch.
• Improved Code Sharing and Reuse: With all the code in one place, it becomes much easier to discover and reuse existing components. This fosters code sharing and reduces code duplication, leading to a more maintainable and efficient codebase. The ability to easily share code is crucial for a large project like EVerest, where different teams may be working on related features. This promotes a consistent coding style and reduces the risk of introducing bugs.
• Atomic Changes and Easier Refactoring: A monorepository allows for atomic changes, meaning that changes spanning multiple components can be committed and rolled back as a single unit. This simplifies refactoring and reduces the risk of introducing inconsistencies. Refactoring becomes significantly easier because you can modify related code across different parts of the system in a single commit, ensuring that all changes are synchronized.
• Unified Build and Test Processes: A monorepository enables the creation of unified build and test processes. This ensures that all components are built and tested consistently, improving the overall quality of the software. Having a single build process simplifies the development workflow and makes it easier to catch errors early in the development cycle. It also allows for more comprehensive testing, as you can easily test the interactions between different components.
• Enhanced Collaboration: A monorepository fosters better collaboration among developers by providing a central place to access and contribute to the codebase. This increased visibility and collaboration can lead to improved communication and a more cohesive development team. Think of it as everyone working in the same room, making it easier to communicate and share ideas. Improved collaboration leads to better code, faster development, and a more enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

Impact on the Existing Documentation

The move to a monorepository necessitates a comprehensive review and update of the existing EVerest documentation. The documentation needs to reflect the new repository structure, build processes, and development workflows. This includes updating file paths, build instructions, and dependency management procedures. The primary goal of the documentation update is to ensure that developers have a clear and accurate understanding of how to work with the EVerest codebase in the new monorepository environment.

Key Areas for Documentation Updates

Several areas of the EVerest documentation require specific attention to ensure they accurately reflect the monorepository structure. Let's break down the key areas that need updating:

1. Repository Structure and Navigation

The most fundamental change is the repository structure itself. The documentation must clearly outline the new directory layout and explain the purpose of each directory. This includes:

• Top-level directories: Explain the purpose of each top-level directory, such as core, modules, configs, scripts, etc. This helps developers quickly understand the overall organization of the codebase.
• Module structure: Describe the structure of modules within the monorepository. This may involve explaining how modules are organized into subdirectories and how they depend on each other. Understanding the module structure is crucial for developers who need to contribute to existing modules or create new ones.
• File paths: Update all documentation references to file paths to reflect the new monorepository structure. This is a critical step to ensure that developers can easily locate the files they need.

2. Build and Test Procedures

The build and test procedures will likely have changed as a result of the monorepository migration. The documentation must provide clear instructions on how to build and test the EVerest codebase in the new environment. This includes:

• Build system: Describe the build system used in the monorepository (e.g., CMake, Bazel) and how to use it to build different parts of the system. A clear explanation of the build system is essential for developers to be able to compile the code and create executables.
• Build instructions: Provide step-by-step instructions on how to build the EVerest codebase on different platforms (e.g., Linux, macOS, Windows). This should include information on any required dependencies and how to install them.
• Test procedures: Explain how to run the unit tests, integration tests, and other types of tests in the monorepository. This should include information on how to set up the test environment and how to interpret the test results. Comprehensive test procedures are crucial for ensuring the quality and stability of the EVerest software.

3. Dependency Management

The documentation must explain how dependencies are managed in the monorepository. This includes:

• Dependency declaration: Describe how dependencies are declared within the codebase (e.g., using a requirements.txt file or a build system configuration). Understanding how dependencies are declared is essential for adding new dependencies or updating existing ones.
• Dependency installation: Explain how to install the dependencies required to build and run the EVerest software. This may involve using a package manager or a build system feature.
• Versioning: Describe how dependencies are versioned and how to manage different versions of dependencies. Proper versioning is crucial for ensuring that the software can be built and run consistently over time.

4. Development Workflow

The documentation should outline the recommended development workflow for contributing to the EVerest project in the monorepository environment. This includes:

• Branching strategy: Describe the branching strategy used in the monorepository (e.g., Gitflow, GitHub Flow) and how to create and manage branches. A clear branching strategy is essential for managing concurrent development and ensuring that changes are properly integrated.
• Code contribution: Explain the process for contributing code to the EVerest project, including how to submit pull requests and how to address code review feedback. A well-defined contribution process is crucial for ensuring the quality and consistency of the codebase.
• Code style guidelines: Provide guidelines on code style and formatting to ensure consistency across the codebase. Adhering to code style guidelines makes the code easier to read and understand.

5. Module-Specific Documentation

In addition to the general documentation updates, each module within the EVerest monorepository may require specific documentation updates. This includes:

• Module overview: Provide an overview of the module's purpose, functionality, and dependencies. A clear module overview helps developers quickly understand the role of the module within the larger system.
• API documentation: Document the module's public API, including functions, classes, and data structures. Comprehensive API documentation is essential for developers who need to use the module in their own code.
• Usage examples: Provide examples of how to use the module in different scenarios. Practical examples make it easier for developers to learn how to use the module and integrate it into their projects.

Contributing to the Documentation Update

Updating the EVerest documentation is a collaborative effort, and your contributions are highly valued. Here are some ways you can contribute:

• Review the existing documentation: Take some time to review the existing documentation and identify areas that need updating.
• Submit pull requests: If you find errors or outdated information, submit pull requests with corrections or updates. Pull requests are the primary mechanism for contributing code and documentation changes to the EVerest project.
• Write new documentation: If you see gaps in the documentation, consider writing new sections or tutorials to fill those gaps. New documentation helps to improve the overall comprehensiveness and usability of the EVerest project.
• Provide feedback: Share your feedback on the documentation with the EVerest community. Your feedback helps to identify areas for improvement and ensures that the documentation meets the needs of the developers.

Conclusion

The move to a monorepository is a significant step forward for the EVerest project, and updating the documentation is crucial for ensuring a smooth transition. By addressing the key areas outlined in this article, we can create a comprehensive and accurate set of documentation that will empower developers to build and contribute to EVerest effectively. Remember, your contributions are vital to this process! Let's work together to make the EVerest documentation the best it can be.

For more information on monorepos and their benefits, check out this article on Martin Fowler's website.