Make branch name dynamic in linkcode_resolve function

[coderabbitai[bot]]

The branch name "stable" is hardcoded in the linkcode_resolve function in docs/conf.py. To enhance maintainability, consider using a variable or configuration option to specify the branch.

See PR #110: https://github.com/reactive-firewall/multicast/pull/110 and the specific comment: https://github.com/reactive-firewall/multicast/pull/110#discussion_r1764390519 for more details.

Reported by @reactive-firewall.

[reactive-firewall]

@coderabbitai,

• Please read the file 'docs/conf.py', from the HEAD of the default branch, considering it the configuration for the python sphinx tool.
• Please read up on this issue #113 and related material.
• Please generate a possible walkthrough for implementing issue #113 enhancements (focusing on what changes are actually needed to enhance the linkcode_resolve function with configuration option/function to specify the branch), complete with possible implementation of changes to code (ie, the 'how'), we'll call this the "plan draft"
• Please, then analyze the generated "plan draft" and consider project code-style, conventions, function docstrings (including doctests), and the goal of maintainability, portability, and improve upon the 'plan draft'. Present the improved plan in GH markdown format.

[coderabbitai[bot]]

[!TIP] For best results, initiate chat on the files or code changes.

@reactive-firewall,

Improved Plan for Implementing Issue #113

---

Objective: Make the branch name in the linkcode_resolve function of docs/conf.py dynamic, allowing for better maintainability and portability.

1. Define a Configuration Variable for the Branch Name

• Add at the top of docs/conf.py:

  import os
  
  # Define the branch name for linkcode_resolve
  linkcode_branch = os.environ.get("LINKCODE_BRANCH", "stable")
  """
  linkcode_branch: The name of the branch used in the GitHub links generated by the linkcode_resolve function.
  Defaults to 'stable', but can be overridden by setting the LINKCODE_BRANCH environment variable.
  """

  • This sets linkcode_branch to the value of the LINKCODE_BRANCH environment variable if it exists; otherwise, it defaults to "stable".
  • The docstring explains the purpose and usage of the variable.

2. Modify the linkcode_resolve Function to Use the Configuration Variable

• Update the linkcode_resolve function:

  def linkcode_resolve(domain, info):
    """
    Resolve the GitHub URL corresponding to the Python object.
  
    Parameters:
        domain (str): The domain of the object (e.g., 'py' for Python).
        info (dict): Information about the object.
  
    Returns:
        str or None: The GitHub URL pointing to the source code, or None if not applicable.
    """
    if domain != "py" or not info["module"]:
        return None
    filename = info["module"].replace(".", "/")
    theResult = "{prefix}/blob/{branch}/{file}.py".format(
        prefix=linkcode_url_prefix, branch=linkcode_branch, file=filename
    )
    if "/multicast.py" in theResult:
        theResult = theResult.replace("/multicast.py", "/multicast/__init__.py")
    if "/tests.py" in theResult:
        theResult = theResult.replace("/tests.py", "/tests/__init__.py")
    return theResult

  • Replaced the hardcoded "stable" with the linkcode_branch variable.
  • Added a descriptive docstring to the function.
  • Ensured code adheres to PEP 8 style guidelines.

3. Enhance Maintainability and Portability

• Leverage Environment Variables:

  • Utilizing os.environ.get() allows users to set the branch dynamically without modifying the code.
  • Promotes portability across different environments and branches.

• Default Behavior:

  • Defaulting to "stable" maintains current behavior if no environment variable is set.

4. Update Documentation Accordingly

• Document the New Configuration Option:

  • Add details in README.md or appropriate documentation files about LINKCODE_BRANCH.
  • Explain how to set the environment variable when building the documentation:

  ### Building Documentation with Custom Branch Links
  
  By default, the documentation links to the `stable` branch on GitHub. To override this, set the `LINKCODE_BRANCH` environment variable:
  
  ```bash
  export LINKCODE_BRANCH="your-branch-name"
  make html  # or your documentation build command

5. Test the Changes

• Verify Default Behavior:

  • Build the documentation without setting LINKCODE_BRANCH and ensure links point to the stable branch.

• Verify Custom Branch Behavior:

  • Set LINKCODE_BRANCH to a different branch name and rebuild.
  • Confirm that the generated links in the documentation point to the specified branch.

• Ensure No Breakages:

  • Check for any errors or warnings during the build process.
  • Validate that the links are correctly formed and accessible.

---

This improved plan aligns with the project's coding standards and emphasizes:

• Code Style and Conventions:

  • Adherence to PEP 8 guidelines.
  • Use of clear, descriptive variable names.
  • Inclusion of docstrings for functions and variables.

• Maintainability:

  • Easy configuration without code modification.
  • Default behaviors that prevent unexpected issues.

• Portability:

  • Environment variable usage allows flexibility across different systems and environments.

• Documentation:

  • Clear instructions for contributors and users.
  • Enhanced transparency of configuration options.

Please review the plan and let me know if you have any suggestions or require further adjustments.

:link: Analysis chain

:checkered_flag: Scripts executed

The following scripts were executed for the analysis: Script: ```shell #!/bin/bash # Display the contents of 'docs/conf.py' cat docs/conf.py # Fetch the details of issue #113 from the GitHub repository gh issue view 113 --repo reactive-firewall/multicast --json title,body,comments ``` Length of output: 13209

---

:brain: Learnings used

``` Learnt from: reactive-firewall PR: reactive-firewall/multicast#110 File: docs/CI.md:32-32 Timestamp: 2024-09-17T06:40:42.918Z Learning: Reactive-firewall prefers to keep the word "own" in headings when emphasizing the reader's personal test. ``` --- ``` Learnt from: reactive-firewall PR: reactive-firewall/multicast#110 File: docs/USAGE.md:66-66 Timestamp: 2024-09-17T03:38:28.677Z Learning: Reactive-firewall prefers to use "Caveat" as a heading instead of "Caution". ``` --- ``` Learnt from: reactive-firewall PR: reactive-firewall/multicast#118 File: tests/check_pip:92-197 Timestamp: 2024-09-24T01:03:10.574Z Learning: Reactive-firewall prefers defining functions before they are called in Bash scripts to avoid errors due to Bash's sequential interpretation. ``` --- ``` Learnt from: reactive-firewall PR: reactive-firewall/multicast#75 File: tests/test_basic.py:1-1 Timestamp: 2024-09-12T08:04:07.969Z Learning: When updating documentation, it's good practice to create a GitHub issue to track the task, assign it to the responsible person, and create a corresponding branch for implementing the changes. This process helps in organizing and tracking documentation improvements. ```

[reactive-firewall]

🤔 First, this plan makes sense! Let's go with this. 🔧 Second, a couple of tweaks:

• Let's use the environment variable name "DOCS_BUILD_REF" and source it in CI from the pre-existing CI variables GITHUB_SHA (for GHA) and CIRCLE_SHA1 (for CircleCI)
• the documentation example can utilize DOCS_BUILD_REF=$(${GIT:-git} rev-parse --verify HEAD) as it shows how to dynamically set the value (for example if done by a git-hook locally)
• the CI configs/scripts will need to be updated to account for the variable

---

Refs:

• https://docs.github.com/en/actions/writing-workflows/choosing-what-your-workflow-does/store-information-in-variables#default-environment-variables
• https://circleci.com/docs/variables/