Many members have noticed the recent series of hotfix releases. We understand that frequent updates can disrupt workflows, and we appreciate your patience. Some bugs did make it through the initial 7.12 release, and we want to share how we are addressing the underlying causes and improving stability going forward.
The 7.12 release introduced a major restructuring of our backend systems. This work was essential for supporting evaluation instances and helping new members get started, but it also required us to revisit how updates apply to both new and long‑standing databases. As we refined that foundation, several issues surfaced that required follow‑up releases to ensure the update was stable for all database states.
To strengthen Specify going forward, we have invested in new protocols and tools that improve how we test, review, and validate changes before release. These additions help us identify issues earlier and reduce the need for rapid hotfix cycles.
New processes and tools now in place
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Expanded automated front‑end testing using Playwright
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Increased unit testing coverage across both the front end and back end
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Automatic code quality checks on all contributions
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Automatic security and vulnerability scanning on pull requests
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Regular dependency reviews to ensure supported and secure versions
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New internal requirements for structured code review
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Improved backend evaluation systems to validate changes across different database histories
These improvements give us a clearer view of how updates behave across the wide range of database states in use today. They also support more reliable migrations for long‑standing databases and provide a stronger foundation for new users joining Specify.
The upcoming 7.12.0.7 release focuses on reinforcing this foundation. It is intentionally light on new features because its purpose is to ensure that future updates are smoother, more predictable, and more stable for all members.
We appreciate your patience as we complete this work. These improvements are designed to support long‑term reliability and a better experience for every institution using Specify.