May 2015 Summaries

The scheduled platform update for May 19th, 2015, introduces several software updates and new features. Key updates include Bundler version 1.9.7, Cassandra version 2.1.5, ChromeDriver version 2.15 supporting Chrome v40-43, and Git version 2.4.0 with an "atomic push" feature. io.js is updated to version 1.8.1, while Java receives updates for OpenJDK 7u79 and Oracle JDK 8u45, along with a tool for easier Java version switching. PostgreSQL is now at version 9.4.1, offering JSONB support and enhancements like the ALTER SYSTEM SQL command, and a migration guide is available for major changes. PHP sees updates to versions 5.4.40, 5.5.24, and 5.6.8, and RethinkDB updates to version 2.0.1. Users can try the new platform by selecting Ubuntu 14.04 LTS v1505 from Project Settings, with a full list of changes in the platform changelog, and are encouraged to provide feedback through Discord before the final release.

Semaphore has announced support for continuous integration and deployment of Elixir applications, highlighting Elixir's origins in the Erlang virtual machine for improved concurrency and productivity. Elixir, known for features like metaprogramming and polymorphism, is designed for developing fault-tolerant, distributed applications. Semaphore simplifies setting up continuous integration for Elixir projects by allowing users to select repositories from platforms like GitHub or Bitbucket, automatically detect the project's language, and provide modifiable build commands. The platform includes tools like the mix build tool and caches Hex packages to enhance build efficiency. With support from a vibrant community and testing frameworks like ExUnit, Semaphore aims to streamline the integration and deployment workflow for Elixir developers.