openwebf-release-versioning-rollback

Versioning for remote WebF bundles involves defining an explicit version scheme (e.g., vYYYY.MM.DD or semantic versions), using versioned URLs for immutable assets, and implementing path-based cache busting. The host selects versions based on pins, latest requests, or channel-based updates, enabling safe deployments across distributed clients without breaking existing implementations.

Cache busting for remote bundles uses versioned URLs for immutable assets paired with conservative entrypoint caching. This prevents stale bundle delivery while allowing rapid updates: clients request versioned assets that never change, while the entrypoint (which directs to specific versions) uses shorter cache windows to propagate new version availability.

Fast rollback relies on maintaining a known-good previous version and implementing a server-side or host-side rollback switch. When issues arise, switch the entrypoint to direct clients to the prior version without re-deployment. Clients requesting the new version are redirected to stable code, minimizing downtime and preventing cascading failures.

Progressive rollout for remote bundles uses channel or feature-flag controlled deployment with per-version monitoring. Deploy to a subset of hosts or clients first, collect metrics and error signals, then expand gradually. Rollback triggers can halt progression or revert to the previous version if issues are detected during staged deployment.

Remote bundle versioning supports pinning to a specific version for stability, requesting the latest version for always-current clients, and channel-based updates for controlled rollout. Each scenario uses the same underlying scheme—versioned URLs and entrypoint switching—allowing hosts and clients to operate at different update cadences across distributed environments.

Explicit version schemes (vYYYY.MM.DD, semantic versions) enable reproducible deployments, clear rollback targets, and auditable version history. They prevent ambiguity in distributed systems where hosts update asynchronously. With explicit versions, you can verify which code each client is running, coordinate multi-host rollbacks, and quickly isolate problems to specific versions.