Release Notes

As of the release 2024.7, the following internally used software has been updated.

• JxBrowser (Chrome browser engine for displaying the integrated preview in FirstSpirit SiteArchitect)
  Update to version 7.38.2 (Chromium 124.0.6367.92) --> includes security updates
• Apache Derby (integrated database for testing purposes)
  Update from version 10.14.2.1 to 10.16.1.1
  

Clustering underwent a comprehensive overhaul with the current FirstSpirit version.

The focus is on significantly simplifying the configuration and avoiding shared file systems. The slave server only needs access to the master server's socket port.

Also, the need to adjust the configuration of the master server to use the clustering functionality has been eliminated.

With the option of integrating read-only data sources from other projects, it is possible to use database contents in multiple projects. Previously, changes in the source project were not automatically synchronized, meaning that for example references were not available or search results were incomplete.

Version 2024.7 of FirstSpirit now allows such synchronization of content (currently in beta status) in just a few steps:

• In the database settings of the target project, the database of the source project must be selected as "read-only" and with the option "No schema sync". Please note that the source has to be a standard layer.
• Create a new database schema and select the "Import schema from remote project (Beta)" option
• Add a new data source with the same name as in the source project.

FirstSpirit 2024.7 supports the following module versions for FirstSpirit Content Experience Tools.

As of release 2024.8, some internally used components will be removed. This affects the following library:

• Apache HttpClient 4.5.14

With the help of multisite management, it is possible to distribute FirstSpirit content across all FirstSpirit projects of an instance. This allows individual files or entire sections of a project to be reused.

Multisite Management is based on the ContentTransport functionality.

With the current FirstSpirit release, the use of the “FirstSpirit Multisite Management” module is officially approved.

Further information can be found in the documentation.

The template development for the ContentCreator is primarily aimed at project developers who want to quickly and conveniently perform simple development tasks directly from the ContentCreator.

This includes primarily minor adjustments to forms, modifying rules, or fixing errors in output channels.

With the current FirstSpirit release, the use of the “FirstSpirit Template Development MicroApp” module is officially approved.

Further information can be found in the documentation.

The FirstSpirit desktop apps (FirstSpirit SiteArchitect and ServerManager) are started and updated (rolled out) via the FirstSpirit Launcher.

The “FirstSpirit Launcher JRE” module enables customers and partners to easily switch between different Java versions for the operation of Java-based applications. The desired Java version can be selected server-wide for Microsoft Windows and macOS separately.

The included Java versions have been updated with the current release.

• 17.0.10+7 -> 17.0.11+9
  (Default - the version delivered with the FirstSpirit Launcher)
• 21.0.2+13 -> 21.0.3+9

In the connection settings, the use of Websockets can be disabled using the optional parameter firstspirit.websocket.disabled. In this case, the client's communication with the server occurs exclusively via regular HTTP requests.

Example: firstspirit.websocket.disabled=1

The definition of this parameter can be useful, for example, if firewalls are in use that may not support WebSockets or block their traffic. By disabling WebSockets, compatibility and accessibility in such environments can be improved.