Testing an Extension Update in the Laboratory

Extension rehearsals use Joomla’s normal update metadata and Installer inside the private copy while QCUL adds exact-package capture, a lab restore point, evidence, version verification, and production-safe review controls.

Location: Joomla Administrator → Components → QC Update Laboratory → Laboratory.

Step-by-step procedure

  1. Refresh the Test Updates list and find the extension update you intend to rehearse.
  2. Confirm the Live Site and Laboratory starting versions and the offered New Version.
  3. Select Test in Lab.
  4. Allow QCUL to capture/hash the exact package and create a lab restore point before installation.
  5. Keep the page open through install, version verification, route checks, file/database evidence, and log review.
  6. Expand the tested-update result, review any problems, open the laboratory, download the report, and complete human review before production.

What QCUL records

  • Package filename, byte size, and SHA-256.
  • Starting and resulting installed versions.
  • Joomla Installer messages/warnings/output.
  • Basic frontend and administrator route checks.
  • File and database differences and relevant log evidence.

Production rule

Only the exact package that completed the laboratory workflow is eligible for QCUL’s production push. A freshly downloaded ZIP advertising the same version is not silently substituted.

Keep the evidence chain intact

The value of Testing an Extension Update in the Laboratory depends on preserving one traceable transition: known starting version, one selected update, exact captured package/hash, resulting laboratory version, automated evidence, and human review. Avoid manual package installs or unrelated lab changes that make that chain ambiguous before a production decision.

Community Discussion

Want to compare update-testing workflows, share practical tips, or discuss how you use this QCUL feature? Visit the QC Update Laboratory Community. For private support, bug reports, account-specific issues, or feature requests, use the QuantaCade support system.