Fixing JFRTest: Quarkus Version Mismatch In Mandrel

# JFRTest: Quarkus Version Mismatch in Mandrel - A Deep Dive

Hey guys, if you're like me, you've probably run into a few head-scratchers while working with Mandrel and Quarkus. One issue that has cropped up, especially when dealing with integration tests, is the `JFRTest` failing to correctly recognize the custom Quarkus version you've specified. Let's break down what's happening, why it matters, and how we can potentially fix it.

## The Core Problem: Version Conflict

So, the gist of it is this: You've built your Mandrel workflow targeting a specific Quarkus version (e.g., `3.27.0`), but the `JFRTest` seems to be stubbornly clinging to `999-SNAPSHOT`. This mismatch is a recipe for disaster, leading to build errors because the test is trying to resolve dependencies that don't exist or are incompatible with your intended Quarkus version. The error messages in the logs are pretty clear about this, highlighting the inability to find `io.quarkus:quarkus-bom:pom:999-SNAPSHOT` and missing version declarations for crucial dependencies. This often results in a failed build, and nobody wants that, right?

This problem typically arises in the context of integration tests, where the goal is to verify the correct functionality of an application compiled into a native image using Mandrel. The `JFRTest` is designed to measure the performance of the application by using Java Flight Recorder (JFR) to capture and analyze runtime events. These tests are crucial for ensuring the application behaves as expected in a native environment, optimizing performance, and identifying potential bottlenecks.

The underlying issue is that the test environment is not correctly inheriting or being configured with the same Quarkus version as the main application under test. When the test tries to build the application using a mismatched Quarkus version, it fails to resolve the necessary dependencies. It's like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole, it simply won't work. The consequences of this mismatch include failing builds, inaccurate performance measurements, and difficulty in determining the actual behavior of the application.

To understand this better, imagine you're using a specific version of Quarkus because it has bug fixes, performance improvements, or new features you need. If the `JFRTest` uses a different, potentially outdated, version, you're essentially testing against a different baseline, which could lead to incorrect results and invalidate your testing efforts. It is essential that the test environment accurately reflects the intended environment in which the application will run. This ensures that the test results are reliable and relevant to the application's performance in a real-world scenario.

### Symptoms and Impact

The most obvious symptom is, of course, a failed build. You'll see error messages in your Maven output indicating that dependencies cannot be resolved. This will halt your CI/CD pipelines and prevent you from deploying or testing your application effectively. Also, you will be unable to conduct accurate performance tests using the `JFRTest` framework. When the environment is not correctly set up, the performance metrics derived from JFR will be meaningless. This makes it difficult to diagnose performance issues and optimize your application effectively. In extreme cases, version conflicts can lead to subtle runtime bugs that are challenging to identify and debug.


## Troubleshooting and Resolution

Let's get into the nitty-gritty of fixing this. The core of the problem seems to be that the `JFRTest` is not correctly picking up the Quarkus version from your build configuration. Here's a breakdown of how you can tackle this:

### 1. **Verify Your Build Configuration:**

First, double-check your Maven or Gradle configuration files (pom.xml or build.gradle) to ensure you're explicitly setting the desired Quarkus version. This is your source of truth. Make sure the `-Dquarkus.version` property is set correctly and that it matches the version you expect to use.

### 2. **Check the `JFRTest` Implementation:**

Examine the `JFRTest`'s source code. Look for where the Quarkus version is being specified or hardcoded. If it's hardcoded, that's your problem! You'll need to modify the test to dynamically obtain the Quarkus version from the project's properties or from a command-line argument.

### 3. **Passing the Version:**

If the `JFRTest` isn't picking up the version from the build, you'll need to explicitly pass it. You can do this via Maven command-line arguments (like `-Dquarkus.version=your.quarkus.version`) or through environment variables.

### 4. **Overriding the Version:**

If you can't easily modify the test code, you might be able to override the Quarkus version using Maven profiles or properties. Define a profile that activates when running the `JFRTest` and sets the `quarkus.version` property to your desired value.

### 5. **Clean Builds are Your Friends:**

Before running your tests, make sure to perform a clean build. This ensures that any cached dependencies or artifacts don't interfere with the process. Use `mvn clean install` or the equivalent in your build tool.

### 6. **Logging and Debugging:**

Add detailed logging to the `JFRTest` and your build scripts. This will help you understand how the Quarkus version is being resolved and where the mismatch occurs. Use the `-X` flag with Maven to enable verbose output.

### 7. **Look for Updates:**

Check the Mandrel and Quarkus repositories for any updates or bug fixes related to this issue. The problem might be a known bug that has already been addressed.

## Example: Maven Configuration

Here’s a snippet to illustrate how you might pass the Quarkus version to the `JFRTest` via the command line:

```xml
<plugin>
    <groupId>org.apache.maven.plugins</groupId>
    <artifactId>maven-surefire-plugin</artifactId>
    <configuration>
        <systemPropertyVariables>
            <quarkus.version>${quarkus.version}</quarkus.version>
        </systemPropertyVariables>
    </configuration>
</plugin>

In this example, the maven-surefire-plugin is used to pass the quarkus.version property to the JFRTest as a system property. This ensures that the test has access to the correct Quarkus version.

Detailed Steps and Considerations:

1. Inspect the Build Logs: Examine the Maven build logs very carefully. Look for lines that indicate how the Quarkus version is being determined. Identify which version is being used and why. Use the -X flag to enable verbose logging for more details.
2. Locate the JFRTest Configuration: Find where the JFRTest is configured. This might involve looking at the test class itself, the test's pom.xml, or any supporting configuration files. Understanding this configuration is key to making changes.
3. Modify the Test Execution: Adjust how the test is executed. If the test uses a specific Maven profile, ensure that this profile is activated when you run the tests. Use command-line arguments to pass the correct Quarkus version.
4. Update Dependencies (If Necessary): After updating the Quarkus version, you might need to update other dependencies to ensure compatibility. Pay attention to the dependencies used by the test framework and make sure they are compatible with the new Quarkus version.
5. Test Thoroughly: After making any changes, run your tests multiple times to ensure that the problem is resolved and that no new issues have been introduced. Pay close attention to the test results and any error messages.
6. Use Version Management: For complex projects, consider using a version management system like Maven's dependency management feature or a similar tool. This helps maintain consistent versions across your entire project.

Conclusion

Addressing the Quarkus version mismatch in the JFRTest requires a methodical approach. By carefully examining your build configuration, the test implementation, and the build logs, you can pinpoint the source of the problem and apply the appropriate fix. Making sure that the test environment correctly reflects your target application environment is crucial to obtain reliable and meaningful results. Don't be afraid to roll up your sleeves, dive into the code, and experiment with different solutions until you achieve a successful and consistent build.

Hope this helps, and happy coding!

Feel free to ask any questions. If you have additional suggestions or fixes, do share them as well. We're all in this together!

For more in-depth understanding, consider the official documentation.

• Quarkus Official Documentation
• Mandrel Documentation