Renovate[bot] Github app

[Tyrsson]

Gotta hand it to those folks.... So far, best solution I have found for automating dep updating etc. Have you used it? What's your thoughts on it? Do you have a shareable config? Pointers, gotchas that you have had issues with?

The reason I posted this is that, well, let us be honest here.... The jump from staff developer to Lead, having to research and implement solutions such as CI/CD pipeline, automation is one of the biggest hurdles for those that are trying to further their careers in the field. Rarely is any of the subject matter taught in schools and if it is touched on its rarely in-depth and I understand why.... It's hard to teach something that is so variable. The number of solutions these days, the number of platforms on which those solutions can be implemented. Well, if you have done it or are currently looking into it, you understand what I am saying. So lets really help some people out here and post up with what you can share. Your experience and what it has taught you to avoid.

 

[Jamie]

I've never heard of this app but will take a look into it. How does it compare to Dependabot (Which I have always found useful)?

 

[Tyrsson]

It automates the updating of your projects dependencies. When you build large projects. As an example I am currently building an in house CMS. Which is built on Laminas MVC. The Laminas release cycle is different than mine, as it always is. So, once I have everything setup and configured, each of my in house "packages" dependencies will get updated daily so that each is always installing the latest release of the dep. Opposed to me having to manage keeping the composer.json and composer.lock files updated manually for each one when they tag a new release.

 

[Tyrsson]

And so you can see what I am talking about
https://docs.renovatebot.com/

 

[Tyrsson]

Im just getting started with this. Still trying to nail down the exact config I want to use but you can view a working setup (heavily borrowed from Laminas' setup where appropriate).

Main config (organisation wide) is here:
https://github.com/webinertia/webinertia/blob/master/renovate-config.json
Referenced by:
https://github.com/webinertia/webinertia-thememanager/blob/master/renovate.json#L4
Of course you have to install the Renovate app into the correct account. Grant it permissions etc blah blah yada.