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Testing Features Guide

[!CAUTION] Testing versions are highly unstable and intended for developers and testers only! Features may be incomplete, broken, or removed without notice.

This guide covers features available in the Testing branch (testing) of Home-Assistant-Matter-Hub.

⚠️ Important Warnings​

  • Do NOT use in production - Testing versions may break at any time
  • Data loss possible - Always backup before testing
  • No support guaranteed - Issues may take longer to address
  • Features may be removed - Nothing is final until it reaches Alpha

Installing the Testing Version​

Home Assistant Add-on​

Currently, there is no dedicated Testing add-on. To test:

  1. Use the Alpha add-on repository: https://github.com/riddix/home-assistant-addons
  2. Manually update to the testing Docker tag if available
  3. Or build from source using the testing branch

Docker​

Use the testing tag:

docker run -d \
  --name home-assistant-matter-hub-testing \
  --network host \
  -v /path/to/data:/data \
  -e HAMH_HOME_ASSISTANT_URL=http://homeassistant.local:8123 \
  -e HAMH_HOME_ASSISTANT_ACCESS_TOKEN=your_token \
  ghcr.io/riddix/home-assistant-matter-hub:testing

Building from Source​

git clone https://github.com/RiDDiX/home-assistant-matter-hub.git
cd home-assistant-matter-hub
git checkout testing
pnpm install
pnpm run build

Current Testing Features​

Testing contains all Alpha features plus experimental changes being actively developed.

Features Currently in Testing​

FeatureStatusDescription
All Alpha Features✅ IncludedEverything from the Alpha branch
Experimental Fixes🧪 TestingBug fixes being validated before Alpha
New Device Types🧪 TestingDevice types being evaluated

Reporting Testing Issues​

When reporting issues from the Testing branch:

  1. Use the testing label on GitHub issues
  2. Include the exact version (e.g., v2.0.0-testing.6)
  3. Provide full logs - Testing issues need more context
  4. Describe expected vs actual behavior
  5. Note if it worked in Alpha/Stable

Issue Template for Testing​

**Testing Version:** v2.0.0-testing.X
**Previous Working Version:** (if applicable)
**Controller:** Apple Home / Google Home / Alexa

**Steps to Reproduce:**
1. ...
2. ...

**Expected Behavior:**
...

**Actual Behavior:**
...

**Logs:**

(paste relevant logs here)

Version Progression​

Features flow through branches as follows:

Testing → Alpha → Stable (Main)
   ↓        ↓         ↓
Unstable  Testing   Production
  1. Testing - Initial implementation, may be broken
  2. Alpha - Stabilized, ready for wider testing
  3. Stable - Production-ready, thoroughly tested

Reverting from Testing​

If you encounter critical issues:

  1. Stop the Testing container/add-on
  2. Switch to Alpha or Stable version
  3. Your configuration should be compatible
  4. Report the issue on GitHub with full details
# Docker - switch to alpha
docker pull ghcr.io/riddix/home-assistant-matter-hub:alpha

# Or switch to stable
docker pull ghcr.io/riddix/home-assistant-matter-hub:latest

Contributing to Testing​

Want to help test new features?

  1. Join the Discussion - Check GitHub issues for testing requests
  2. Report Issues - Detailed bug reports are invaluable
  3. Provide Logs - Help us debug problems
  4. Test Different Controllers - We need feedback from all ecosystems

Testing Checklist​

When testing a new feature, please verify:

  • Feature works as described
  • No errors in logs
  • Works with Apple Home
  • Works with Google Home
  • Works with Alexa
  • No impact on existing functionality
  • UI displays correctly
  • Configuration persists after restart

Changelog​

v2.0.0-testing.7 (Latest)​

  • Thermostat mode change fix using pre-commit reactor
  • Hidden entity filter fix for scripts
  • README documentation updates

v2.0.0-testing.6​

  • Full backup with Matter identity files
  • Alphabetical bridge sorting in UI

v2.0.0-testing.1-5​

  • Initial testing branch setup
  • Migration from Alpha features

Acknowledgments​

Thank you to everyone who tests unstable versions and provides feedback! Your contributions help make the stable releases better for everyone.

Special thanks to our dedicated testers:

  • @codyc1515 - Extensive thermostat testing and feedback