In the ever-evolving world of software development, adaptability is key. Recently, Parity Technologies has made some significant strides in streamlining their development process by merging three repositories—Cumulus, Substrate, and Polkadot—into one cohesive unit called the Polkadot SDK. This move aims to enhance collaboration and provide a more efficient platform for future development. In this blog, we will guide you through the steps for transitioning to the new repository effectively.

Why Merge Repositories?

Before diving into the transition steps, let’s explore why this change is critical:

• **Streamlined Development**: By consolidating the codebases, developers can work more efficiently and collaboratively.
• **Better Contribution Structure**: Merging the repositories creates a singular focus for contributions, which simplifies the review and merging process.
• **Enhanced Tracking**: A unified repository improves tracking issues and progress.

Steps to Transition to the New Polkadot SDK

Here’s how you can smoothly transition to the new Polkadot SDK repository:

• 1. **Visit the New Repository**: Go to the Polkadot SDK to familiarize yourself with its structure.
• 2. **Star the New Repo**: Show your support by giving a star to the new repository.
• 3. **Check Your Open Pull Requests**: If you had any open pull requests in Cumulus, Substrate, or Polkadot, verify them and prepare to resubmit.
• 4. **Resubmit Your Pull Requests**: Go ahead and create new pull requests in the Polkadot SDK repository. This ensures your contributions are not lost in the transition and can be properly reviewed.
• 5. **Stay Updated**: Follow the updates on the repository for new changes or announcements.

Understanding the Repository Change: An Analogy

Think of the merging of these repositories like a family moving from separate houses into a larger, shared home. Each family member (repository) previously had their own space where they conducted their activities but faced challenges like isolated communication and inefficient use of resources. By moving to a single home (the Polkadot SDK), they can share common areas, engage in discussions more frequently, and enhance their collaborative efforts. Just as family members must adapt to their new living arrangements, developers must adjust to the new repository structure for more impactful collaboration.

Troubleshooting Your Transition

If you encounter any issues during your transition to the new repository, here are some troubleshooting ideas:

• **Issue Resubmitting PRs**: If you face challenges while resubmitting your pull requests, double-check that you are using the correct branch from the Polkadot SDK repository.
• **Finding Documentation**: The documentation for the new repository should be available in its ReadMe file. If it’s not clear, consider reaching out or checking the community forums.
• **Contributions Not Visible**: If your contributions aren’t merging as expected, verify that there are no conflicts with the codebase or that your PR aligns with the project’s current development goals.

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Conclusion

The transition to the new Polkadot SDK repository is a significant move towards a more unified development process. By following these steps and addressing any challenges, you can help foster a more collaborative environment for all contributors involved. At fxis.ai, we believe that such advancements are crucial for the future of AI, as they enable more comprehensive and effective solutions. Our team is continually exploring new methodologies to push the envelope in artificial intelligence, ensuring that our clients benefit from the latest technological innovations.