Today's English Expression 30/30 · Stage: Post-merge. All example sentences were made up for this article. They are not actual repository comments, and the branches and numbers are examples.
Table of Contents
- At a Glance
- 1. Meaning and Nuance
- 2. Example Sentences
- 3. Similar Expressions and Differences
- 4. Common Mistakes Made by Koreans
- 5. One-line Practice
- Model Answer
- References
At a Glance
| Expression | Could we backport this to release-1.4? / Is this a candidate for a cherry-pick? |
| Meaning | Could we also apply this fix to release-1.4? |
| When to Use | Comments on merged PRs, issues, release-related channels |
| Politeness | Polite request. The maintainer makes the decision. |
1. Meaning and Nuance
Backport is a compound word of back and port, meaning moving a fix from a newer version to an older version. In open source, it refers to moving a fix merged into main to an already released branch (such as release-1.4) to include it in the next patch release (1.4.x).
Kubernetes calls the same thing cherry pick . According to the Kubernetes cherry pick documentation, this is the process of moving changes already merged into master to a release branch, usually to ship security fixes or critical bug fixes via a patch release. The requester uses repository hack/cherry_pick_pull.sh scripts to create separate cherry pick PRs for each target branch, proceeding from the newest supported release branch to the older ones. The new cherry pick PR receives do-not-merge/cherry-pick-not-approved labels and is merged only after approval by the release manager. Other projects may achieve the same thing using bot commands or labels, so check the CONTRIBUTING document.
As you can see from this process, a backport is not something guaranteed. Release branches prioritize stability, so new features or risky changes are usually not accepted. Therefore, when making a request, be sure to write why it is needed. Clarifying whether it is a security issue, a severe bug like data loss or upgrade failure, or if it affects many users makes it easier for maintainers to judge. Using we as the subject of the request (Could we ...?) also gives a cooperative feel of "let's figure this out together."
2. Example Sentences
Scenario 1: Requesting on a merged PR
Thanks for fixing this! Could we backport it to release-1.4? Users on 1.4 hit this crash during upgrades, and there's no workaround.
there's no workaround conveys the reason why a backport is needed in the shortest way possible.
Scenario 2: Asking if it is a candidate
Is this a candidate for a cherry-pick to the 1.3 and 1.4 branches, or is it too risky for a patch release?
candidate means "candidate". Giving the alternative option too risky makes it easier for maintainers to decline.
Scenario 3: When a maintainer responds
I'd rather not backport this one. It touches the API defaults, which we try to keep stable in patch releases. It'll be in 1.5.0.
Rejections also come with reasons and alternatives (the next official release).
3. Similar Expressions and Differences
- Cherry-pick. Git 명령 이름에서 온 말로, 특정 커밋만 골라 다른 브랜치에 적용하는 것입니다. Kubernetes 처럼 backport 절차 자체를 이 이름으로 부르는 프로젝트도 있습니다.
- Patch release. A release (such as 1.4.3) carrying backported fixes. People ask like Will this be in the next patch release?
- Forward-port. In the opposite direction, moving a fix first made in a release branch to main. It is rare, but good to know to avoid confusion.
4. Common Mistakes Made by Koreans
- Please apply this to old version too. Which version and why it is needed are missing.
- Corrected sentence: Could we backport this to release-1.4? It fixes a data loss bug that affects 1.4 users.
- Backport please!! Sounds like a demand rather than a request.
- Corrected sentence: Would this be a good candidate for a backport?
- I want you to backport this. A tone that ignores the fact that the decision rests with the maintainer.
- Corrected sentence: Would you consider backporting this to the 1.4 branch?
5. One-line Practice
Rewrite the following Korean sentence as a comment on a merged PR.
Could we include this fix in the 1.4 branch as well? Users running 1.4 are experiencing the same memory leak.
Model Answer
Could we backport this to the 1.4 branch? Users on 1.4 are hitting the same memory leak.
are hitting is a continuous form meaning "experiencing right now," conveying that the problem is currently ongoing. Adding the number of users or an issue link makes it more persuasive.
Titi's Word. Backporting is a favor. Adding one sentence about why it is needed makes it easier for maintainers to say "yes." Thank you for joining us through thirty episodes.
References
- Kubernetes, Cherry Picks Documentation: https://github.com/kubernetes/community/blob/master/contributors/devel/sig-release/cherry-picks.md
- Git 문서, git-cherry-pick: https://git-scm.com/docs/git-cherry-pick