Merge pull request #99 from the-luap/release-please--branches--main

chore(main): release 2.3.0

.env.example

@@ -50,6 +50,16 @@ VITE_API_URL=/api
 # DB_PORT=5432
 # REDIS_PORT=6379
 
+# Release Channel
+# Options: 'stable' (default), 'beta', or specific version like 'v2.3.0'
+# 'stable' uses the :stable tag (same as :latest on main)
+# 'beta' uses the :beta tag for pre-release versions
+PICPEAK_CHANNEL=stable
+
+# Update Check Configuration
+# Set to 'false' to disable update notifications in admin UI
+UPDATE_CHECK_ENABLED=true
+
 # Timezone
 TZ=UTC
 

.github/workflows/docker-build.yml

@@ -8,10 +8,10 @@ name: Build and Push Docker Images
 
 on:
   push:
-    branches: [ main, develop ]
-    tags: [ 'v*.*.*' ]  # Triggered by Release Please tags
+    branches: [ main, beta ]
+    tags: [ 'v*.*.*', 'v*.*.*-beta.*' ]  # Triggered by Release Please tags (stable and beta)
   pull_request:
-    branches: [ main ]
+    branches: [ main, beta ]
   release:
     types: [ published ]  # Triggered when Release Please creates a release
   workflow_dispatch:
@@ -42,6 +42,18 @@ jobs:
     - name: Checkout code
       uses: actions/checkout@v4
 
+    - name: Determine build context
+      id: context
+      run: |
+        # Determine if this is a beta or stable release
+        if [[ "${{ github.ref }}" == refs/tags/v*-beta* ]] || [[ "${{ github.ref }}" == refs/heads/beta ]]; then
+          echo "channel=beta" >> $GITHUB_OUTPUT
+          echo "is_prerelease=true" >> $GITHUB_OUTPUT
+        else
+          echo "channel=stable" >> $GITHUB_OUTPUT
+          echo "is_prerelease=false" >> $GITHUB_OUTPUT
+        fi
+
     - name: Determine build platforms
       id: platforms
       run: |
@@ -88,10 +100,12 @@ jobs:
           type=ref,event=branch
           type=ref,event=pr
           type=semver,pattern={{version}}
-          type=semver,pattern={{major}}.{{minor}}
-          type=semver,pattern={{major}}
+          type=semver,pattern={{major}}.{{minor}},enable=${{ steps.context.outputs.is_prerelease == 'false' }}
+          type=semver,pattern={{major}},enable=${{ steps.context.outputs.is_prerelease == 'false' }}
           type=sha,format=short
           type=raw,value=latest,enable={{is_default_branch}}
+          type=raw,value=stable,enable=${{ github.ref == 'refs/heads/main' || (startsWith(github.ref, 'refs/tags/v') && steps.context.outputs.is_prerelease == 'false') }}
+          type=raw,value=beta,enable=${{ github.ref == 'refs/heads/beta' || steps.context.outputs.is_prerelease == 'true' }}
 
     - name: Build and push Backend Docker image
       uses: docker/build-push-action@v5
@@ -139,6 +153,18 @@ jobs:
     - name: Checkout code
       uses: actions/checkout@v4
 
+    - name: Determine build context
+      id: context
+      run: |
+        # Determine if this is a beta or stable release
+        if [[ "${{ github.ref }}" == refs/tags/v*-beta* ]] || [[ "${{ github.ref }}" == refs/heads/beta ]]; then
+          echo "channel=beta" >> $GITHUB_OUTPUT
+          echo "is_prerelease=true" >> $GITHUB_OUTPUT
+        else
+          echo "channel=stable" >> $GITHUB_OUTPUT
+          echo "is_prerelease=false" >> $GITHUB_OUTPUT
+        fi
+
     - name: Determine build platforms
       id: platforms
       run: |
@@ -185,10 +211,12 @@ jobs:
           type=ref,event=branch
           type=ref,event=pr
           type=semver,pattern={{version}}
-          type=semver,pattern={{major}}.{{minor}}
-          type=semver,pattern={{major}}
+          type=semver,pattern={{major}}.{{minor}},enable=${{ steps.context.outputs.is_prerelease == 'false' }}
+          type=semver,pattern={{major}},enable=${{ steps.context.outputs.is_prerelease == 'false' }}
           type=sha,format=short
           type=raw,value=latest,enable={{is_default_branch}}
+          type=raw,value=stable,enable=${{ github.ref == 'refs/heads/main' || (startsWith(github.ref, 'refs/tags/v') && steps.context.outputs.is_prerelease == 'false') }}
+          type=raw,value=beta,enable=${{ github.ref == 'refs/heads/beta' || steps.context.outputs.is_prerelease == 'true' }}
 
     - name: Build and push Frontend Docker image
       uses: docker/build-push-action@v5

.github/workflows/release-please-beta.yml

@@ -0,0 +1,72 @@
+name: Release Please (Beta)
+
+on:
+  push:
+    branches: [beta]
+
+permissions:
+  contents: write
+  pull-requests: write
+
+jobs:
+  release-please:
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    outputs:
+      release_created: ${{ steps.release.outputs.release_created }}
+      tag_name: ${{ steps.release.outputs.tag_name }}
+      version: ${{ steps.release.outputs.version }}
+    steps:
+      - name: Run Release Please
+        uses: googleapis/release-please-action@v4
+        id: release
+        with:
+          token: ${{ secrets.GITHUB_TOKEN }}
+          config-file: release-please-config-beta.json
+          manifest-file: .release-please-manifest-beta.json
+          target-branch: beta
+
+      - name: Output Release Info
+        if: ${{ steps.release.outputs.release_created }}
+        run: |
+          echo "## Beta Release Created!" >> $GITHUB_STEP_SUMMARY
+          echo "" >> $GITHUB_STEP_SUMMARY
+          echo "**Tag:** ${{ steps.release.outputs.tag_name }}" >> $GITHUB_STEP_SUMMARY
+          echo "**Version:** ${{ steps.release.outputs.version }}" >> $GITHUB_STEP_SUMMARY
+          echo "" >> $GITHUB_STEP_SUMMARY
+          echo "Docker images will be built and tagged with this beta version." >> $GITHUB_STEP_SUMMARY
+
+  # Sync version to package.json files after release
+  sync-versions:
+    needs: release-please
+    if: ${{ needs.release-please.outputs.release_created }}
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    permissions:
+      contents: write
+    steps:
+      - name: Checkout
+        uses: actions/checkout@v4
+        with:
+          ref: beta
+
+      - name: Update package.json versions
+        run: |
+          VERSION="${{ needs.release-please.outputs.version }}"
+          echo "Updating package.json files to version $VERSION"
+
+          # Update backend package.json
+          cd backend
+          npm version $VERSION --no-git-tag-version --allow-same-version
+          cd ..
+
+          # Update frontend package.json
+          cd frontend
+          npm version $VERSION --no-git-tag-version --allow-same-version
+          cd ..
+
+      - name: Commit version updates
+        run: |
+          git config user.name "github-actions[bot]"
+          git config user.email "github-actions[bot]@users.noreply.github.com"
+          git add backend/package.json frontend/package.json
+          git diff --staged --quiet || git commit -m "chore: sync package.json versions to ${{ needs.release-please.outputs.version }}"
+          git push

.release-please-manifest-beta.json

@@ -0,0 +1,3 @@
+{
+  ".": "2.3.0-beta.0"
+}

.release-please-manifest.json

@@ -1,3 +1,3 @@
 {
-  ".": "2.2.2"
+  ".": "2.3.0"
 }

CHANGELOG.md

@@ -5,6 +5,40 @@ All notable changes to PicPeak will be documented in this file.
 The format is based on [Keep a Changelog](https://keepachangelog.com/en/1.0.0/),
 and this project adheres to [Semantic Versioning](https://semver.org/spec/v2.0.0.html).
 
+## [2.3.0](https://github.com/the-luap/picpeak/compare/v2.2.4...v2.3.0) (2026-01-15)
+
+
+### Features
+
+* beta/stable release channels with update notifications and bug fixes ([3c7dc20](https://github.com/the-luap/picpeak/commit/3c7dc2013fc3b57712ddf16db85f495b3cc7bfd7))
+* beta/stable release channels with update notifications and bug fixes ([#98](https://github.com/the-luap/picpeak/issues/98)) ([3c7dc20](https://github.com/the-luap/picpeak/commit/3c7dc2013fc3b57712ddf16db85f495b3cc7bfd7))
+* implement beta/stable release channels with update notifications ([617e778](https://github.com/the-luap/picpeak/commit/617e778a48e0f0c24fcb8441d00ed2a816f19c03))
+
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+* display new password after admin password reset ([bd8b885](https://github.com/the-luap/picpeak/commit/bd8b885f7f060160eb852870d143f25ce628f3db))
+* gallery thumbnails not loading (404 errors) [#96](https://github.com/the-luap/picpeak/issues/96) ([e3c3c4c](https://github.com/the-luap/picpeak/commit/e3c3c4c951c52de99bd0afd95b08d119153997b4))
+* prevent unnecessary image recompression and fix SQLite migration [#95](https://github.com/the-luap/picpeak/issues/95) ([3cdc0ea](https://github.com/the-luap/picpeak/commit/3cdc0ea7152e63cd72124a91394741a6e6904af3))
+* watermark upload JSON parsing and image quality preservation ([0e3b50d](https://github.com/the-luap/picpeak/commit/0e3b50d1b6a2dc532ebdc0981f81f77722e8f23a))
+
+## [2.2.4](https://github.com/the-luap/picpeak/compare/v2.2.3...v2.2.4) (2026-01-08)
+
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+* **backup:** add lastBackup alias and totalBackups for frontend compatibility ([749100c](https://github.com/the-luap/picpeak/commit/749100c92abd2bb123b137e3d3c6bb342b8f5f00))
+* Docker Swarm DNS resolution and backup status display (v2.2.3) ([082d8ab](https://github.com/the-luap/picpeak/commit/082d8ab2054416b2a4f9e0438aa2bda0a8f4277e))
+* Docker Swarm DNS resolution and backup status display (v2.2.3) ([082d8ab](https://github.com/the-luap/picpeak/commit/082d8ab2054416b2a4f9e0438aa2bda0a8f4277e))
+
+## [2.2.3](https://github.com/the-luap/picpeak/compare/v2.2.2...v2.2.3) (2026-01-08)
+
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+* **nginx:** add Docker DNS resolver for Swarm/dynamic service discovery ([049837f](https://github.com/the-luap/picpeak/commit/049837f9d675ff5a4d93c02e5eb771bf65bc2616))
+* **nginx:** Add Docker DNS resolver for Swarm/dynamic service discovery (v2.2.3) ([cc1ddfd](https://github.com/the-luap/picpeak/commit/cc1ddfd42cccac07d5869fe2ee19c25a9ffa50e8))
+
 ## [2.2.2](https://github.com/the-luap/picpeak/compare/v2.2.1...v2.2.2) (2026-01-08)
 
 

DEPLOYMENT_GUIDE.md

@@ -2,9 +2,24 @@
 
 This guide covers multiple deployment options for PicPeak, from simple local setups to production-ready configurations.
 
-## 🎯 Quick Start - Simple Setup (Recommended for Beginners)
+## 📋 Table of Contents
 
-For the easiest installation without Docker or complex configurations, use our **unified setup script**:
+- [Quick Start](#-quick-start)
+- [Prerequisites](#prerequisites)
+- [Configuration](#-configuration)
+- [Deployment](#-deployment)
+- [First Login](#-first-login)
+- [Release Channels](#-release-channels)
+- [Reverse Proxy Setup](#-reverse-proxy-setup)
+- [External Media Library](#external-media-library)
+- [Maintenance](#-maintenance)
+- [Troubleshooting](#-troubleshooting)
+
+## 🚀 Quick Start
+
+### Option 1: Automated Setup Script (Easiest)
+
+For the simplest installation, use our unified setup script:
 
 ```bash
 curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/the-luap/picpeak/main/scripts/picpeak-setup.sh -o picpeak-setup.sh && \
@@ -12,27 +27,11 @@ chmod +x picpeak-setup.sh && \
 sudo ./picpeak-setup.sh
 ```
 
-This automated script handles everything including:
-- Choice between Docker or Native installation
-- OS detection and dependency installation
-- Database setup and service configuration
-- SSL/HTTPS setup (optional)
-
-Perfect for:
-- Small to medium deployments
-- Local or VPS installations  
-- Users new to server management
-- Quick testing and evaluation
+This script handles Docker/Native installation choice, OS detection, dependencies, database setup, and optional SSL.
 
 👉 **See [SIMPLE_SETUP.md](./SIMPLE_SETUP.md) for detailed instructions.**
 
----
-
-## 🐳 Docker Compose Deployment
-
-### Option 1: Using Pre-built Images (Recommended)
-
-PicPeak provides official Docker images via GitHub Container Registry for quick deployment without building:
+### Option 2: Docker with Pre-built Images (Recommended)
 
 ```bash
 # Clone repository for configuration files
@@ -43,35 +42,40 @@ cd picpeak
 cp .env.example .env
 nano .env  # Edit with your values
 
-# Use pre-built images deployment
+# Create required directories
+mkdir -p events/active events/archived data logs backup storage
+chmod -R 755 events data logs backup storage
+
+# Deploy using pre-built images
 docker compose -f docker-compose.production.yml up -d
+
+# Check logs
+docker compose -f docker-compose.production.yml logs -f
 ```
 
-The production compose file uses:
-- **Backend**: `ghcr.io/the-luap/picpeak/backend:latest`
-- **Frontend**: `ghcr.io/the-luap/picpeak/frontend:latest`
+**Available image tags:**
+| Channel | Tags | Description |
+|---------|------|-------------|
+| Stable | `stable`, `latest`, `v2.3.0` | Production-ready releases |
+| Beta | `beta`, `v2.3.0-beta.1` | Early access to new features |
+| Branch | `main`, `beta` | Latest from each branch |
 
-Available tags:
-- `latest` - Latest stable release
-- `main` - Latest main branch build
-- `develop` - Development branch (may be unstable)
-- `v1.0.0` - Specific version tags
+To select a channel, set `PICPEAK_CHANNEL` in your `.env` file (see [Release Channels](#release-channels) section)
 
-### Option 2: Building from Source
+### Option 3: Build from Source
 
-If you need to customize the application or the pre-built images aren't available, you can build locally:
+```bash
+git clone https://github.com/the-luap/picpeak.git
+cd picpeak
+cp .env.example .env
+nano .env  # Edit with your values
 
-## 📋 Table of Contents
+mkdir -p events/active events/archived data logs backup storage
+chmod -R 755 events data logs backup storage
 
-- [Prerequisites](#prerequisites)
-- [Quick Start](#quick-start)
-- [Configuration](#configuration)
-- [Deployment](#deployment)
-- [First Login](#first-login)
-- [Reverse Proxy Setup](#reverse-proxy-setup)
-- [Maintenance](#maintenance)
-- [Troubleshooting](#troubleshooting)
- - [External Media Library](#external-media-library)
+docker compose build
+docker compose up -d
+```
 
 ## Prerequisites
 
@@ -80,106 +84,6 @@ If you need to customize the application or the pre-built images aren't availabl
 - SMTP server credentials for emails
 - At least 2GB RAM and 20GB storage
 
-## 🚀 Quick Start
-
-### Method 1: Using Pre-built Images (Fastest)
-
-1. **Clone the repository for configs**
-   ```bash
-   git clone https://github.com/the-luap/picpeak.git
-   cd picpeak
-   ```
-
-2. **Set up environment**
-   ```bash
-   cp .env.example .env
-   nano .env  # Edit with your values
-   ```
-
-3. **Create required directories**
-   ```bash
-   mkdir -p events/active events/archived data logs backup storage
-   chmod -R 755 events data logs backup storage
-   ```
-
-4. **Deploy using pre-built images**
-   ```bash
-   docker compose -f docker-compose.production.yml up -d
-   ```
-
-5. **Check logs**
-   ```bash
-   docker compose -f docker-compose.production.yml logs -f
-   ```
-
-## External Media Library
-
-PicPeak can reference an existing, read‑only media library mounted into the backend container. This avoids copying originals into PicPeak storage.
-
-- Map your host library path to the container as read‑only in `docker-compose.production.yml`:
-  - Add volume under `backend`: `- ${EXTERNAL_MEDIA}:/external-media:ro`
-  - Add backend env: `EXTERNAL_MEDIA_ROOT=/external-media`
-- In `.env`, set:
-  - `EXTERNAL_MEDIA=/mnt/photos` (example host path)
-  - `EXTERNAL_MEDIA_ROOT=/external-media`
-
-Usage:
-- In Admin → Events, set “Source Mode” to “Reference (external folder)”, select a folder under `/external-media`, then import to index and generate thumbnails. Originals stay in your library.
-
-Backups and Archives:
-- Backups only include data under `STORAGE_PATH` and exclude external originals. The backup manifest includes `metadata.external_references = { excluded: true, events: N, photos: M }` and the Admin UI surfaces a warning.
-- Archiving reference events creates a manifest‑only ZIP and deletes thumbnails for that event. External originals are never moved or deleted.
-
-Local (npm) setup (no Docker):
-
-1. Create or choose a folder that contains your external originals, e.g. `/Users/you/Pictures/picpeak-external` (macOS/Linux) or `C:\\Pictures\\picpeak-external` (Windows).
-2. In `backend/.env` (or your shell), set:
-   - `EXTERNAL_MEDIA_ROOT=/absolute/path/to/picpeak-external`
-   - Ensure `STORAGE_PATH` points to your PicPeak storage (defaults to `./storage`).
-3. Start services from source:
-   - Backend: `cd backend && npm install && npm run migrate && JWT_SECRET=... npm start`
-   - Frontend: `cd frontend && npm install && npm run dev` (or build + serve)
-4. In Admin → Events:
-   - Create an event, set “Source Mode” to “Reference (external folder)”.
-   - Use the folder picker to browse under your `EXTERNAL_MEDIA_ROOT` and select the subfolder to reference.
-   - Click “Import from selected folder” to index files and generate thumbnails on demand.
-
-Notes:
-- PicPeak only reads from `EXTERNAL_MEDIA_ROOT`; it never modifies or deletes your originals there.
-- Thumbnails are generated under `STORAGE_PATH/thumbnails` and are included in backups; originals in `EXTERNAL_MEDIA_ROOT` are excluded.
-- On Windows, use absolute paths (e.g., `C:\\Photos\\Library`) for `EXTERNAL_MEDIA_ROOT`.
-
-### Method 2: Building from Source
-
-1. **Clone the repository**
-   ```bash
-   git clone https://github.com/the-luap/picpeak.git
-   cd picpeak
-   ```
-
-2. **Set up environment**
-   ```bash
-   cp .env.example .env
-   nano .env  # Edit with your values
-   ```
-
-3. **Create required directories**
-   ```bash
-   mkdir -p events/active events/archived data logs backup storage
-   chmod -R 755 events data logs backup storage
-   ```
-
-4. **Build and deploy**
-   ```bash
-   docker compose build
-   docker compose up -d
-   ```
-
-5. **Check logs**
-   ```bash
-   docker compose logs -f
-   ```
-
 ## 🔧 Configuration
 
 ### Essential Environment Variables
@@ -358,14 +262,16 @@ docker exec picpeak-backend cat data/ADMIN_CREDENTIALS.txt
 # Show current admin username and email (password is hidden)
 docker exec picpeak-backend node scripts/show-admin-credentials.js
 
-# Reset the admin password to a new random password
+# Reset the admin password to a new random password (displays new password in console)
 docker exec picpeak-backend node scripts/show-admin-credentials.js --reset
 ```
 
+> **Note:** When using `--reset`, the new password will be displayed in the console output. Save it immediately - it will not be shown again!
+
 #### Important Security Notes
 
 - **Login requires the email address**, not username
-- The admin password is only displayed once during initial setup
+- When resetting password, the new password is displayed once in the console - save it immediately
 - **Password change is MANDATORY** on first login - the system will force you to change it
 - If you lose the password before first login, use the `--reset` option to generate a new one
 - New password requirements: minimum 12 characters, mixed case, numbers, and special characters
@@ -446,6 +352,61 @@ ADMIN_EMAIL=your-email@yourdomain.com
 
 **Note**: This only works on first deployment. To change the admin email after deployment, you'll need to update it in the database or create a new admin user through the admin panel.
 
+## 🔄 Release Channels
+
+PicPeak offers two release channels for different needs:
+
+### Stable Channel (Recommended)
+- Production-ready releases
+- Thoroughly tested before release
+- Docker tags: `stable`, `latest`, or specific version like `v2.3.0`
+
+### Beta Channel
+- Early access to new features
+- May contain bugs or incomplete functionality
+- Docker tags: `beta` or specific version like `v2.3.0-beta.1`
+
+### Configuring Your Channel
+
+Set the `PICPEAK_CHANNEL` environment variable in your `.env` file:
+
+```bash
+# For stable releases (default)
+PICPEAK_CHANNEL=stable
+
+# For beta releases
+PICPEAK_CHANNEL=beta
+
+# For a specific version
+PICPEAK_CHANNEL=v2.3.0
+```
+
+The `docker-compose.production.yml` uses this variable for both backend and frontend images:
+```yaml
+image: ghcr.io/the-luap/picpeak/backend:${PICPEAK_CHANNEL:-stable}
+```
+
+### Switching Channels
+
+To switch between channels:
+
+```bash
+# Edit your .env file
+nano .env
+# Change PICPEAK_CHANNEL=stable to PICPEAK_CHANNEL=beta (or vice versa)
+
+# Pull the new images and restart
+docker compose -f docker-compose.production.yml pull
+docker compose -f docker-compose.production.yml up -d
+```
+
+### Update Notifications
+
+The admin dashboard automatically notifies you when updates are available for your channel. This feature:
+- Checks GitHub releases hourly (cached to avoid rate limits)
+- Shows updates relevant to your current channel (stable or beta)
+- Can be disabled by setting `UPDATE_CHECK_ENABLED=false` in your `.env`
+
 ## 🔒 Reverse Proxy Setup
 
 For production deployments, you should use a reverse proxy for SSL/HTTPS. The application exposes ports directly, allowing you to use any reverse proxy solution.
@@ -656,20 +617,27 @@ docker compose up -d
 docker compose ps
 ```
 
-#### Specific Version Updates
+#### Specific Version or Channel Updates
 
-To use a specific version of the images:
+To use a specific version or switch channels, update your `.env` file:
 
 ```bash
-# Edit docker-compose.production.yml to specify version tags
-# Change: ghcr.io/the-luap/picpeak/backend:latest
-# To:     ghcr.io/the-luap/picpeak/backend:v1.0.0
+# Edit .env to change the channel or pin to a specific version
+nano .env
+
+# Options for PICPEAK_CHANNEL:
+# - stable    (recommended, production-ready)
+# - beta      (early access to new features)
+# - v2.3.0    (pin to specific stable version)
+# - v2.3.0-beta.1  (pin to specific beta version)
 
 # Then pull and restart
 docker compose -f docker-compose.production.yml pull
 docker compose -f docker-compose.production.yml up -d
 ```
 
+The admin dashboard will notify you when updates are available for your configured channel.
+
 ### Database Migrations
 
 Migrations run automatically on startup, but you can run them manually:

README.md

@@ -79,7 +79,51 @@ Note on Docker file permissions (PUID/PGID)
 - Example in `.env`:
   - `PUID=1000`
   - `PGID=1000`
-- Without this, creating events, uploads, thumbnails, or logs can fail with “Permission denied”.
+- Without this, creating events, uploads, thumbnails, or logs can fail with "Permission denied".
+
+## 🔄 Release Channels
+
+PicPeak offers two release channels for different needs:
+
+### Stable Channel (Recommended)
+- Production-ready releases
+- Thoroughly tested before release
+- Docker tags: `stable`, `latest`, or specific version like `v2.3.0`
+
+### Beta Channel
+- Early access to new features
+- May contain bugs or incomplete functionality
+- Docker tags: `beta` or specific version like `v2.3.0-beta.1`
+
+### Switching Channels
+
+Set the `PICPEAK_CHANNEL` environment variable in your `.env` file:
+
+```bash
+# For stable releases (default)
+PICPEAK_CHANNEL=stable
+
+# For beta releases
+PICPEAK_CHANNEL=beta
+
+# For a specific version
+PICPEAK_CHANNEL=v2.3.0
+```
+
+Then update your containers:
+
+```bash
+docker-compose -f docker-compose.production.yml pull
+docker-compose -f docker-compose.production.yml up -d
+```
+
+### Update Notifications
+
+The admin dashboard automatically notifies you when updates are available for your channel. To disable update checks, set:
+
+```bash
+UPDATE_CHECK_ENABLED=false
+```
 
 ## 📖 Documentation
 

SIMPLE_SETUP.md

@@ -451,6 +451,8 @@ cd /opt/picpeak/app/backend
 sudo -u picpeak node scripts/reset-admin-password.js
 ```
 
+> **Note:** The new password will be displayed in the console output and saved to `ADMIN_PASSWORD_RESET.txt`. Save it immediately!
+
 ### Getting Help
 
 1. **Check logs:**

backend/migrations/core/059_add_admin_email_templates.js

@@ -3,6 +3,81 @@
  * These templates support the RBAC (Role-Based Access Control) feature
  */
 exports.up = async function(knex) {
+  // First, ensure the email_templates table has multilingual columns
+  // This is needed for fresh installations where legacy migrations don't run
+  const columnInfo = await knex('email_templates').columnInfo();
+
+  if (!columnInfo.subject_en) {
+    // Need to add multilingual columns
+    console.log('Adding multilingual columns to email_templates table...');
+
+    // Check if we're using SQLite or PostgreSQL
+    const client = knex.client.config.client;
+    const isSqlite = client === 'sqlite3' || client === 'better-sqlite3';
+
+    if (isSqlite) {
+      // SQLite doesn't support column rename directly in all versions
+      // We need to recreate the table with new structure
+
+      // Get existing data
+      const existingData = await knex('email_templates').select('*');
+
+      // Drop the old table
+      await knex.schema.dropTable('email_templates');
+
+      // Create new table with multilingual columns
+      await knex.schema.createTable('email_templates', (table) => {
+        table.increments('id').primary();
+        table.string('template_key').unique().notNullable();
+        table.string('subject_en');
+        table.string('subject_de');
+        table.text('body_html_en');
+        table.text('body_html_de');
+        table.text('body_text_en');
+        table.text('body_text_de');
+        table.json('variables');
+        table.datetime('updated_at').defaultTo(knex.fn.now());
+      });
+
+      // Re-insert existing data with column mapping
+      for (const row of existingData) {
+        await knex('email_templates').insert({
+          template_key: row.template_key,
+          subject_en: row.subject,
+          subject_de: row.subject, // Copy to German as default
+          body_html_en: row.body_html,
+          body_html_de: row.body_html,
+          body_text_en: row.body_text,
+          body_text_de: row.body_text,
+          variables: row.variables,
+          updated_at: row.updated_at
+        });
+      }
+
+      console.log('Migrated email_templates table to multilingual structure');
+    } else {
+      // PostgreSQL supports ALTER TABLE for column operations
+      await knex.schema.alterTable('email_templates', (table) => {
+        table.renameColumn('subject', 'subject_en');
+        table.renameColumn('body_html', 'body_html_en');
+        table.renameColumn('body_text', 'body_text_en');
+      });
+
+      await knex.schema.alterTable('email_templates', (table) => {
+        table.string('subject_de');
+        table.text('body_html_de');
+        table.text('body_text_de');
+      });
+
+      // Copy English values to German as defaults
+      await knex('email_templates').update({
+        subject_de: knex.raw('subject_en'),
+        body_html_de: knex.raw('body_html_en'),
+        body_text_de: knex.raw('body_text_en')
+      });
+    }
+  }
+
   // Check which templates already exist
   const existingTemplates = await knex('email_templates')
     .select('template_key')

backend/package.json

@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 {
   "name": "picpeak-backend",
-  "version": "2.2.2",
+  "version": "2.2.4",
   "description": "Backend for PicPeak event photo sharing platform",
   "main": "server.js",
   "scripts": {

backend/scripts/show-admin-credentials.js

@@ -36,12 +36,14 @@ async function showAdminCredentials(resetPassword = false) {
         .where('id', admin.id)
         .update({
           password_hash: passwordHash,
+          must_change_password: true,
           updated_at: new Date()
         });
-      
-      // Password logging removed for security - check logs or database if needed
-      console.log('Password: [NEWLY RESET - stored in database]');
-      console.log('\n⚠️  IMPORTANT: New password has been set in database!');
+
+      console.log(`Password: ${newPassword}`);
+      console.log('\n⚠️  IMPORTANT:');
+      console.log('1. Save this password securely - it will not be shown again');
+      console.log('2. You will be required to change it on next login');
     } else {
       console.log('Password: [hidden - use --reset flag to generate new password]');
     }

backend/src/routes/adminSettings.js

@@ -392,11 +392,21 @@ router.post('/branding/watermark-logo', adminAuth, requirePermission('settings.e
       .first();
 
     if (oldWatermarkLogoSetting && oldWatermarkLogoSetting.setting_value) {
-      const oldPath = JSON.parse(oldWatermarkLogoSetting.setting_value);
+      let oldPath;
       try {
-        await fs.unlink(oldPath);
-      } catch (error) {
-        console.error('Failed to delete old watermark logo:', error);
+        // Try to parse as JSON first (for JSON-stringified paths)
+        oldPath = JSON.parse(oldWatermarkLogoSetting.setting_value);
+      } catch (e) {
+        // If it's not valid JSON, use the raw value
+        oldPath = oldWatermarkLogoSetting.setting_value;
+      }
+
+      if (oldPath && typeof oldPath === 'string') {
+        try {
+          await fs.unlink(oldPath);
+        } catch (error) {
+          console.error('Failed to delete old watermark logo:', error);
+        }
       }
     }
 
@@ -421,13 +431,13 @@ router.post('/branding/watermark-logo', adminAuth, requirePermission('settings.e
     await db('app_settings')
       .insert({
         setting_key: 'branding_watermark_logo_url',
-        setting_value: publicPath,
+        setting_value: JSON.stringify(publicPath),
         setting_type: 'branding',
         updated_at: new Date()
       })
       .onConflict('setting_key')
       .merge({
-        setting_value: publicPath,
+        setting_value: JSON.stringify(publicPath),
         updated_at: new Date()
       });
 

backend/src/routes/adminSystem.js

@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@ const path = require('path');
 const os = require('os');
 const { formatBoolean } = require('../utils/dbCompat');
 const logger = require('../utils/logger');
+const { checkForUpdates, getCurrentChannel } = require('../services/updateCheckService');
 const router = express.Router();
 
 // Get system version
@@ -22,12 +23,15 @@ router.get('/version', adminAuth, requirePermission('settings.view'), async (req
     } catch (err) {
       console.error('Could not read package.json:', err);
     }
-    
+
+    const channel = getCurrentChannel(backendVersion);
+
     res.json({
       backend: backendVersion,
       frontend: '1.0.0', // This will be set by frontend
       node: process.version,
-      environment: process.env.NODE_ENV || 'production'
+      environment: process.env.NODE_ENV || 'production',
+      channel: channel
     });
   } catch (error) {
     console.error('Error fetching version:', error);
@@ -35,6 +39,32 @@ router.get('/version', adminAuth, requirePermission('settings.view'), async (req
   }
 });
 
+// Check for updates
+router.get('/updates', adminAuth, requirePermission('settings.view'), async (req, res) => {
+  try {
+    // Check if update checking is enabled
+    const updateCheckEnabled = process.env.UPDATE_CHECK_ENABLED !== 'false';
+
+    if (!updateCheckEnabled) {
+      return res.json({
+        enabled: false,
+        message: 'Update checking is disabled'
+      });
+    }
+
+    const forceRefresh = req.query.refresh === 'true';
+    const updateInfo = await checkForUpdates(forceRefresh);
+
+    res.json({
+      enabled: true,
+      ...updateInfo
+    });
+  } catch (error) {
+    logger.error('Error checking for updates:', error);
+    res.status(500).json({ error: 'Failed to check for updates' });
+  }
+});
+
 // Get comprehensive system status
 router.get('/status', adminAuth, requirePermission('settings.view'), async (req, res) => {
   try {

backend/src/routes/gallery.js

@@ -12,6 +12,7 @@ const { resolvePhotoFilePath } = require('../services/photoResolver');
 const { getEventShareToken, resolveShareIdentifier, buildShareLinkVariants } = require('../services/shareLinkService');
 const { handleAsync } = require('../utils/routeHelpers');
 const { NotFoundError } = require('../utils/errors');
+const { ensureThumbnail } = require('../services/imageProcessor');
 
 // Get storage path from environment or default
 const getStoragePath = () => process.env.STORAGE_PATH || path.join(__dirname, '../../storage');
@@ -787,30 +788,30 @@ router.get('/:slug/photo/:photoId',
 );
 
 // Serve thumbnail
-router.get('/:slug/thumbnail/:photoId', 
-  verifyGalleryAccess, 
+router.get('/:slug/thumbnail/:photoId',
+  verifyGalleryAccess,
   async (req, res) => {
     try {
       const { photoId } = req.params;
-      
+
       const photo = await db('photos')
         .where({ id: photoId, event_id: req.event.id })
         .first();
-      
-      if (!photo || !photo.thumbnail_path) {
-        return res.status(404).json({ error: 'Thumbnail not found' });
+
+      if (!photo) {
+        return res.status(404).json({ error: 'Photo not found' });
       }
-      
-      const thumbPath = path.join(getStoragePath(), photo.thumbnail_path);
-      
-      // Check if file exists
-      const fs = require('fs').promises;
-      try {
-        await fs.access(thumbPath);
-      } catch (error) {
-        return res.status(404).json({ error: 'Thumbnail file not found' });
+
+      // Ensure thumbnail exists and is valid, regenerate if needed
+      const thumbnailPath = await ensureThumbnail(photo);
+
+      if (!thumbnailPath) {
+        logger.error(`Failed to generate thumbnail for photo ${photoId}`);
+        return res.status(404).json({ error: 'Thumbnail generation failed' });
       }
 
+      const thumbPath = path.join(getStoragePath(), thumbnailPath);
+
       // Log thumbnail access
       await secureImageService.logImageAccess(
         photoId,
@@ -818,7 +819,7 @@ router.get('/:slug/thumbnail/:photoId',
         req.clientInfo,
         'thumbnail'
       );
-      
+
       // Set appropriate headers with enhanced security
       res.set({
         'Content-Type': 'image/jpeg',
@@ -827,7 +828,7 @@ router.get('/:slug/thumbnail/:photoId',
         'X-Content-Type-Options': 'nosniff',
         'X-Protected-Thumbnail': 'true'
       });
-      
+
       // Send file
       res.sendFile(path.resolve(thumbPath));
     } catch (error) {

backend/src/routes/protectedImages.js

@@ -90,38 +90,50 @@ router.get('/:slug/photo/:photoId/view', verifyGalleryAccess, async (req, res) =
     }, 'view');
     
     // Get protection settings from event
+    const eventProtectionLevel = req.event.protection_level || protectionLevel;
     const protectionSettings = {
-      protectionLevel: req.event.protection_level || protectionLevel,
+      protectionLevel: eventProtectionLevel,
       quality: req.event.image_quality || 85,
       addFingerprint: req.event.add_fingerprint !== false,
-      fragmentImage: protectionLevel === 'maximum'
+      fragmentImage: eventProtectionLevel === 'maximum'
     };
-    
+
     // Build full path to photo
     const photoPath = path.join(getStoragePath(), 'events/active', req.event.slug, photo.path);
-    
-    // Process image with protection
-    const processedImage = await secureImageService.processProtectedImage(photoPath, protectionSettings);
-    
-    // Apply watermark if enabled
+
+    // For basic/standard protection without special features, serve original file
+    // This avoids unnecessary recompression
+    const needsProcessing = eventProtectionLevel === 'enhanced' ||
+                            eventProtectionLevel === 'maximum' ||
+                            protectionSettings.addFingerprint;
+
     let finalImage;
-    if (processedImage.type === 'fragmented') {
-      // Return fragmented image data for canvas reconstruction
-      return res.json({
-        type: 'fragmented',
-        fragments: processedImage.fragments.map(f => ({
-          index: f.index,
-          row: f.row,
-          col: f.col,
-          data: f.buffer.toString('base64'),
-          position: f.position
-        })),
-        dimensions: processedImage.originalDimensions,
-        fragmentDimensions: processedImage.fragmentDimensions
-      });
+
+    if (!needsProcessing) {
+      // Serve original file without processing
+      const fs = require('fs').promises;
+      finalImage = await fs.readFile(photoPath);
     } else {
-      const watermarkSettings = await watermarkService.getWatermarkSettings();
-      finalImage = await watermarkService.applyWatermark(photoPath, watermarkSettings);
+      // Process image with protection measures
+      const processedImage = await secureImageService.processProtectedImage(photoPath, protectionSettings);
+
+      if (processedImage.type === 'fragmented') {
+        // Return fragmented image data for canvas reconstruction
+        return res.json({
+          type: 'fragmented',
+          fragments: processedImage.fragments.map(f => ({
+            index: f.index,
+            row: f.row,
+            col: f.col,
+            data: f.buffer.toString('base64'),
+            position: f.position
+          })),
+          dimensions: processedImage.originalDimensions,
+          fragmentDimensions: processedImage.fragmentDimensions
+        });
+      }
+
+      finalImage = processedImage;
     }
     
     // Set security headers

backend/src/services/backupService.js

@@ -993,12 +993,16 @@ async function getBackupStatus(limit = 10) {
       }
     }
 
+    const lastRunWithManifest = lastRun ? { ...lastRun, manifestValid } : null;
+
     return {
       isRunning,
       isHealthy: Boolean(lastRun && lastRun.status === 'completed'),
-      lastRun: lastRun ? { ...lastRun, manifestValid } : null,
+      lastRun: lastRunWithManifest,
+      lastBackup: lastRunWithManifest, // Alias for frontend compatibility
       recentRuns: runs,
       recentBackups: runs, // Alias for frontend compatibility
+      totalBackups: runs.filter(r => r.status === 'completed').length,
       nextScheduledRun: getNextScheduledRun()
     };
   } catch (error) {

backend/src/services/secureImageService.js

@@ -157,6 +157,8 @@ class SecureImageService {
 
   /**
    * Process image with protection measures
+   * For basic/standard protection without fingerprinting, returns original file
+   * For enhanced/maximum protection, applies quality reduction and fingerprinting
    */
   async processProtectedImage(imagePath, options = {}) {
     const {
@@ -169,11 +171,58 @@ class SecureImageService {
     } = options;
 
     try {
+      // For basic protection level, always return original file without processing
+      if (protectionLevel === 'basic') {
+        return await fs.readFile(imagePath);
+      }
+
+      // For standard protection without fingerprinting, return original file
+      // This avoids unnecessary recompression when no protection features are needed
+      if (protectionLevel === 'standard' && !addFingerprint && !fragmentImage) {
+        return await fs.readFile(imagePath);
+      }
+
+      // Get metadata to check if processing is actually needed
+      const metadata = await sharp(imagePath).metadata();
+
+      // For standard protection with fingerprint only (no resize needed, no quality change),
+      // we can add fingerprint without full recompression by preserving format
+      const needsResize = metadata.width > maxWidth || metadata.height > maxHeight;
+      const needsQualityReduction = protectionLevel === 'enhanced' || protectionLevel === 'maximum';
+
+      // If standard protection and only fingerprinting is needed, and image doesn't need resize,
+      // just add metadata without recompressing
+      if (protectionLevel === 'standard' && addFingerprint && !needsResize) {
+        let image = sharp(imagePath);
+
+        // Add fingerprint to metadata without changing image quality
+        const fingerprint = crypto.randomBytes(16).toString('hex');
+
+        // Preserve original format with high quality
+        const format = metadata.format || 'jpeg';
+        if (format === 'png') {
+          image = image.png({ compressionLevel: 6 });
+        } else if (format === 'webp') {
+          image = image.webp({ quality: 95 });
+        } else {
+          image = image.jpeg({ quality: 100, mozjpeg: true });
+        }
+
+        image = image.withMetadata({
+          exif: {
+            [sharp.EXIF.IFD0.ImageDescription]: `Protected:${fingerprint}`
+          }
+        });
+
+        return await image.toBuffer();
+      }
+
+      // For enhanced/maximum protection or when resize is needed, do full processing
       let image = sharp(imagePath);
-      const metadata = await image.metadata();
+      let effectiveQuality = quality;
 
       // Resize if too large
-      if (metadata.width > maxWidth || metadata.height > maxHeight) {
+      if (needsResize) {
         image = image.resize(maxWidth, maxHeight, {
           fit: 'inside',
           withoutEnlargement: true
@@ -182,18 +231,26 @@ class SecureImageService {
 
       // Apply quality reduction for protection
       if (protectionLevel === 'enhanced') {
-        quality = Math.min(quality, 70);
+        effectiveQuality = Math.min(quality, 70);
       } else if (protectionLevel === 'maximum') {
-        quality = Math.min(quality, 60);
+        effectiveQuality = Math.min(quality, 60);
       }
 
-      // Convert to appropriate format
-      image = image.jpeg({ quality, progressive: true });
+      // Preserve original format when possible, apply quality settings
+      const format = metadata.format || 'jpeg';
+      if (format === 'png' && !needsQualityReduction) {
+        image = image.png({ compressionLevel: 6 });
+      } else if (format === 'webp') {
+        image = image.webp({ quality: effectiveQuality });
+      } else {
+        // JPEG or when quality reduction is needed (convert to JPEG)
+        image = image.jpeg({ quality: effectiveQuality, progressive: true });
+      }
 
       // Add invisible watermark/fingerprint
       if (addFingerprint) {
         const fingerprint = crypto.randomBytes(16).toString('hex');
-        
+
         // Embed fingerprint in metadata
         image = image.withMetadata({
           exif: {

backend/src/services/updateCheckService.js

@@ -0,0 +1,212 @@
+const axios = require('axios');
+const fs = require('fs').promises;
+const path = require('path');
+const logger = require('../utils/logger');
+
+// Cache for version info (avoid hitting GitHub API too often)
+let versionCache = null;
+let lastCheck = 0;
+const CACHE_TTL = 60 * 60 * 1000; // 1 hour cache
+
+/**
+ * Get current installed version from package.json
+ */
+async function getCurrentVersion() {
+  try {
+    const packagePath = path.join(__dirname, '../../package.json');
+    const packageContent = await fs.readFile(packagePath, 'utf8');
+    const packageJson = JSON.parse(packageContent);
+    return packageJson.version || '0.0.0';
+  } catch (err) {
+    logger.error('Could not read package.json for version:', err);
+    return '0.0.0';
+  }
+}
+
+/**
+ * Determine current release channel from version or environment
+ */
+function getCurrentChannel(version) {
+  // Check environment variable first
+  const envChannel = process.env.PICPEAK_RELEASE_CHANNEL;
+  if (envChannel && ['stable', 'beta'].includes(envChannel)) {
+    return envChannel;
+  }
+
+  // Infer from version string
+  if (version && version.includes('-beta')) {
+    return 'beta';
+  }
+  return 'stable';
+}
+
+/**
+ * Parse version string into comparable parts
+ */
+function parseVersion(version) {
+  if (!version) return null;
+
+  // Handle versions like "2.3.0" or "2.3.0-beta.1"
+  const match = version.match(/^(\d+)\.(\d+)\.(\d+)(?:-beta\.(\d+))?$/);
+  if (!match) return null;
+
+  return {
+    major: parseInt(match[1], 10),
+    minor: parseInt(match[2], 10),
+    patch: parseInt(match[3], 10),
+    beta: match[4] ? parseInt(match[4], 10) : null,
+    isBeta: !!match[4]
+  };
+}
+
+/**
+ * Compare two versions
+ * Returns: 1 if a > b, -1 if a < b, 0 if equal
+ */
+function compareVersions(a, b) {
+  const va = parseVersion(a);
+  const vb = parseVersion(b);
+
+  if (!va || !vb) return 0;
+
+  // Compare major.minor.patch
+  if (va.major !== vb.major) return va.major > vb.major ? 1 : -1;
+  if (va.minor !== vb.minor) return va.minor > vb.minor ? 1 : -1;
+  if (va.patch !== vb.patch) return va.patch > vb.patch ? 1 : -1;
+
+  // Handle beta vs stable
+  if (va.isBeta && !vb.isBeta) return -1; // beta < stable
+  if (!va.isBeta && vb.isBeta) return 1;  // stable > beta
+
+  // Both are beta - compare beta numbers
+  if (va.isBeta && vb.isBeta) {
+    if (va.beta !== vb.beta) return va.beta > vb.beta ? 1 : -1;
+  }
+
+  return 0;
+}
+
+/**
+ * Fetch available versions from GitHub Releases
+ * Uses GitHub Releases API which is publicly accessible without authentication
+ */
+async function fetchAvailableVersions() {
+  try {
+    // Use GitHub Releases API (public, no auth required)
+    const response = await axios.get(
+      'https://api.github.com/repos/the-luap/picpeak/releases',
+      {
+        headers: {
+          'Accept': 'application/vnd.github+json',
+          'X-GitHub-Api-Version': '2022-11-28',
+          'User-Agent': 'PicPeak-Update-Checker'
+        },
+        timeout: 10000
+      }
+    );
+
+    // Extract version tags from releases
+    const versions = {
+      stable: [],
+      beta: []
+    };
+
+    for (const release of response.data) {
+      const tag = release.tag_name;
+      if (!tag) continue;
+
+      // Remove 'v' prefix if present
+      const version = tag.startsWith('v') ? tag.substring(1) : tag;
+
+      if (version.match(/^\d+\.\d+\.\d+$/)) {
+        // Stable version
+        versions.stable.push(version);
+      } else if (version.match(/^\d+\.\d+\.\d+-beta\.\d+$/)) {
+        // Beta version
+        versions.beta.push(version);
+      }
+    }
+
+    // Sort versions descending (newest first)
+    versions.stable.sort((a, b) => compareVersions(b, a));
+    versions.beta.sort((a, b) => compareVersions(b, a));
+
+    return versions;
+  } catch (error) {
+    logger.error('Failed to fetch available versions from GitHub:', error.message);
+    return null;
+  }
+}
+
+/**
+ * Check for available updates
+ */
+async function checkForUpdates(forceRefresh = false) {
+  const now = Date.now();
+
+  // Use cache if available and not expired
+  if (!forceRefresh && versionCache && (now - lastCheck) < CACHE_TTL) {
+    return versionCache;
+  }
+
+  const currentVersion = await getCurrentVersion();
+  const currentChannel = getCurrentChannel(currentVersion);
+  const availableVersions = await fetchAvailableVersions();
+
+  if (!availableVersions) {
+    return {
+      current: currentVersion,
+      channel: currentChannel,
+      updateAvailable: false,
+      error: 'Unable to check for updates'
+    };
+  }
+
+  // Determine latest version for current channel
+  const latestStable = availableVersions.stable[0] || currentVersion;
+  const latestBeta = availableVersions.beta[0] || currentVersion;
+  const latestForChannel = currentChannel === 'beta' ? latestBeta : latestStable;
+
+  const updateAvailable = compareVersions(latestForChannel, currentVersion) > 0;
+
+  // Also check if there's a newer beta for stable users who want to preview
+  const newerBetaAvailable = currentChannel === 'stable' &&
+    availableVersions.beta.length > 0 &&
+    compareVersions(latestBeta, currentVersion) > 0;
+
+  const result = {
+    current: currentVersion,
+    channel: currentChannel,
+    latest: {
+      stable: latestStable,
+      beta: latestBeta,
+      forChannel: latestForChannel
+    },
+    updateAvailable,
+    newerBetaAvailable,
+    lastChecked: new Date().toISOString()
+  };
+
+  // Update cache
+  versionCache = result;
+  lastCheck = now;
+
+  return result;
+}
+
+/**
+ * Clear the version cache (useful for testing)
+ */
+function clearCache() {
+  versionCache = null;
+  lastCheck = 0;
+}
+
+module.exports = {
+  checkForUpdates,
+  getCurrentVersion,
+  getCurrentChannel,
+  compareVersions,
+  parseVersion,
+  clearCache
+};

backend/src/services/watermarkService.js

@@ -177,14 +177,25 @@ class WatermarkService {
         settings.position
       );
 
-      // Apply watermark
-      const watermarkedBuffer = await image
-        .composite([{
-          input: watermarkBuffer,
-          top: position.top,
-          left: position.left
-        }])
-        .toBuffer();
+      // Apply watermark with high quality output to preserve original image quality
+      let watermarkedImage = image.composite([{
+        input: watermarkBuffer,
+        top: position.top,
+        left: position.left
+      }]);
+
+      // Preserve original format with high quality settings
+      const format = metadata.format || 'jpeg';
+      let watermarkedBuffer;
+
+      if (format === 'png') {
+        watermarkedBuffer = await watermarkedImage.png({ quality: 100, compressionLevel: 6 }).toBuffer();
+      } else if (format === 'webp') {
+        watermarkedBuffer = await watermarkedImage.webp({ quality: 95, lossless: false }).toBuffer();
+      } else {
+        // Default to JPEG with maximum quality (100) to prevent recompression
+        watermarkedBuffer = await watermarkedImage.jpeg({ quality: 100, mozjpeg: true }).toBuffer();
+      }
 
       // Cache the result
       this.cache.set(cacheKey, {

docker-compose.production.yml

@@ -38,7 +38,8 @@ services:
 
   backend:
     # Use pre-built image from GitHub Container Registry
-    image: ghcr.io/the-luap/picpeak/backend:latest
+    # PICPEAK_CHANNEL: 'stable' (default), 'beta', or specific version like 'v2.3.0'
+    image: ghcr.io/the-luap/picpeak/backend:${PICPEAK_CHANNEL:-stable}
     container_name: picpeak-backend
     env_file: .env
     environment:
@@ -46,6 +47,7 @@ services:
       - DB_HOST=${DB_HOST:-postgres}
       - REDIS_HOST=redis
       - PHOTOS_DIR=/app/storage/events
+      - PICPEAK_RELEASE_CHANNEL=${PICPEAK_CHANNEL:-stable}
     volumes:
       - ${APP_STORAGE}:/app/storage
       - ${LOGS}:/app/logs
@@ -69,7 +71,8 @@ services:
 
   frontend:
     # Use pre-built image from GitHub Container Registry
-    image: ghcr.io/the-luap/picpeak/frontend:latest
+    # Uses same channel as backend for consistency
+    image: ghcr.io/the-luap/picpeak/frontend:${PICPEAK_CHANNEL:-stable}
     container_name: picpeak-frontend
     # Note: Pre-built frontend uses Nginx to proxy /api to backend:3001.
     # Prefer keeping API base as '/api' in builds to avoid CORS.

frontend/nginx.conf

@@ -4,6 +4,10 @@ server {
     root /usr/share/nginx/html;
     index index.html;
 
+    # Docker DNS resolver for dynamic service discovery (required for Swarm/Compose)
+    resolver 127.0.0.11 valid=10s ipv6=off;
+    resolver_timeout 5s;
+
     # Allow larger file uploads (up to 100MB)
     client_max_body_size 100M;
     client_body_timeout 300s;
@@ -43,7 +47,9 @@ server {
 
     # API proxy
     location /api {
-        proxy_pass http://backend:3000;
+        # Use variable to force DNS resolution per request (required for Docker Swarm)
+        set $backend_upstream backend;
+        proxy_pass http://$backend_upstream:3000;
         proxy_http_version 1.1;
         proxy_set_header Upgrade $http_upgrade;
         proxy_set_header Connection 'upgrade';
@@ -53,7 +59,7 @@ server {
         proxy_set_header X-Forwarded-Proto $scheme;
         proxy_cache_bypass $http_upgrade;
         proxy_read_timeout 86400;
-        
+
         # Allow larger uploads for API endpoints
         client_max_body_size 100M;
         client_body_timeout 300s;
@@ -61,13 +67,14 @@ server {
 
     # Photo serving proxy
     location /photos {
-        proxy_pass http://backend:3000;
+        set $backend_upstream backend;
+        proxy_pass http://$backend_upstream:3000;
         proxy_http_version 1.1;
         proxy_set_header Host $host;
         proxy_set_header X-Real-IP $remote_addr;
         proxy_set_header X-Forwarded-For $proxy_add_x_forwarded_for;
         proxy_set_header X-Forwarded-Proto $scheme;
-        
+
         # Cache photos
         proxy_cache_valid 200 302 1d;
         proxy_cache_valid 404 1m;
@@ -75,13 +82,14 @@ server {
 
     # Thumbnail serving proxy
     location /thumbnails {
-        proxy_pass http://backend:3000;
+        set $backend_upstream backend;
+        proxy_pass http://$backend_upstream:3000;
         proxy_http_version 1.1;
         proxy_set_header Host $host;
         proxy_set_header X-Real-IP $remote_addr;
         proxy_set_header X-Forwarded-For $proxy_add_x_forwarded_for;
         proxy_set_header X-Forwarded-Proto $scheme;
-        
+
         # Cache thumbnails
         proxy_cache_valid 200 302 7d;
         proxy_cache_valid 404 1m;
@@ -90,13 +98,14 @@ server {
     # Uploads serving proxy (logos, favicons, watermarks)
     # ^~ modifier stops regex matching, ensuring uploads are proxied not served locally
     location ^~ /uploads {
-        proxy_pass http://backend:3000;
+        set $backend_upstream backend;
+        proxy_pass http://$backend_upstream:3000;
         proxy_http_version 1.1;
         proxy_set_header Host $host;
         proxy_set_header X-Real-IP $remote_addr;
         proxy_set_header X-Forwarded-For $proxy_add_x_forwarded_for;
         proxy_set_header X-Forwarded-Proto $scheme;
-        
+
         # Cache uploads
         proxy_cache_valid 200 302 7d;
         proxy_cache_valid 404 1m;
@@ -104,7 +113,9 @@ server {
 
     # Delegate root requests to backend for public landing page handling
     location = / {
-        proxy_pass http://backend:3000/;
+        # Use variable to force DNS resolution per request (required for Docker Swarm)
+        set $backend_upstream backend;
+        proxy_pass http://$backend_upstream:3000/;
         proxy_http_version 1.1;
         proxy_set_header Upgrade $http_upgrade;
         proxy_set_header Connection 'upgrade';

frontend/package.json

@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 {
   "name": "picpeak-frontend",
   "private": true,
-  "version": "2.2.2",
+  "version": "2.2.4",
   "type": "module",
   "scripts": {
     "dev": "vite",

frontend/src/components/admin/UpdateNotification.tsx

@@ -0,0 +1,103 @@
+import React, { useState } from 'react';
+import { useQuery } from '@tanstack/react-query';
+import { useTranslation } from 'react-i18next';
+import { ArrowUpCircle, X, ExternalLink } from 'lucide-react';
+import { api } from '../../config/api';
+
+interface UpdateInfo {
+  enabled: boolean;
+  current: string;
+  channel: 'stable' | 'beta';
+  latest: {
+    stable: string;
+    beta: string;
+    forChannel: string;
+  };
+  updateAvailable: boolean;
+  newerBetaAvailable?: boolean;
+  lastChecked: string;
+  error?: string;
+  message?: string;
+}
+
+async function fetchUpdateInfo(): Promise<UpdateInfo> {
+  const response = await api.get<UpdateInfo>('/admin/system/updates');
+  return response.data;
+}
+
+interface UpdateNotificationProps {
+  onDismiss?: () => void;
+}
+
+export const UpdateNotification: React.FC<UpdateNotificationProps> = ({ onDismiss }) => {
+  const { t } = useTranslation();
+  const [dismissed, setDismissed] = useState(false);
+
+  const { data: updateInfo } = useQuery({
+    queryKey: ['update-check'],
+    queryFn: fetchUpdateInfo,
+    staleTime: 60 * 60 * 1000, // 1 hour
+    retry: false,
+    refetchOnWindowFocus: false
+  });
+
+  // Don't render if no update available, not enabled, or dismissed
+  if (!updateInfo?.enabled || !updateInfo?.updateAvailable || dismissed) {
+    return null;
+  }
+
+  const handleDismiss = () => {
+    setDismissed(true);
+    onDismiss?.();
+  };
+
+  const channelLabel = updateInfo.channel === 'beta'
+    ? t('admin.updates.channelBeta', 'Beta')
+    : t('admin.updates.channelStable', 'Stable');
+
+  return (
+    <div className="bg-blue-50 border-l-4 border-blue-500 p-4 mb-4 rounded-r-lg">
+      <div className="flex items-start justify-between">
+        <div className="flex items-start">
+          <ArrowUpCircle className="w-5 h-5 text-blue-500 mt-0.5 mr-3 flex-shrink-0" />
+          <div>
+            <h4 className="text-sm font-semibold text-blue-800">
+              {t('admin.updates.available', 'Update Available')}
+            </h4>
+            <p className="text-sm text-blue-700 mt-1">
+              {t('admin.updates.newVersion', 'Version {{version}} is available', {
+                version: updateInfo.latest.forChannel
+              })}
+              <span className="text-blue-500 ml-2">
+                ({t('admin.updates.currentVersion', 'Current: {{version}}', {
+                  version: updateInfo.current
+                })})
+              </span>
+            </p>
+            <p className="text-xs text-blue-600 mt-1">
+              {t('admin.updates.channel', 'Channel: {{channel}}', {
+                channel: channelLabel
+              })}
+            </p>
+            <a
+              href="https://github.com/the-luap/picpeak/releases"
+              target="_blank"
+              rel="noopener noreferrer"
+              className="inline-flex items-center text-xs text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-800 mt-2"
+            >
+              {t('admin.updates.viewReleaseNotes', 'View Release Notes')}
+              <ExternalLink className="w-3 h-3 ml-1" />
+            </a>
+          </div>
+        </div>
+        <button
+          onClick={handleDismiss}
+          className="text-blue-400 hover:text-blue-600 p-1"
+          aria-label={t('common.close', 'Close')}
+        >
+          <X className="w-4 h-4" />
+        </button>
+      </div>
+    </div>
+  );
+};

frontend/src/components/admin/VersionInfo.tsx

@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 import React from 'react';
 import { useQuery } from '@tanstack/react-query';
 import { useTranslation } from 'react-i18next';
-import { Info } from 'lucide-react';
+import { Info, ArrowUpCircle } from 'lucide-react';
 import { api } from '../../config/api';
 import packageJson from '../../../package.json';
 
@@ -13,6 +13,15 @@ interface SystemVersion {
   frontend: string;
   node: string;
   environment: string;
+  channel?: 'stable' | 'beta';
+}
+
+interface UpdateInfo {
+  enabled: boolean;
+  updateAvailable: boolean;
+  latest?: {
+    forChannel: string;
+  };
 }
 
 async function fetchSystemVersion(): Promise<SystemVersion> {
@@ -20,6 +29,11 @@ async function fetchSystemVersion(): Promise<SystemVersion> {
   return response.data;
 }
 
+async function fetchUpdateInfo(): Promise<UpdateInfo> {
+  const response = await api.get<UpdateInfo>('/admin/system/updates');
+  return response.data;
+}
+
 export const VersionInfo: React.FC = () => {
   const { t } = useTranslation();
   const { data: versionInfo } = useQuery({
@@ -28,11 +42,25 @@ export const VersionInfo: React.FC = () => {
     staleTime: 5 * 60 * 1000, // Cache for 5 minutes
   });
 
+  const { data: updateInfo } = useQuery({
+    queryKey: ['update-check'],
+    queryFn: fetchUpdateInfo,
+    staleTime: 60 * 60 * 1000, // 1 hour
+    retry: false
+  });
+
+  const channelBadge = versionInfo?.channel === 'beta' ? (
+    <span className="ml-1 px-1.5 py-0.5 text-xs bg-amber-100 text-amber-700 rounded">
+      {t('admin.updates.beta', 'BETA')}
+    </span>
+  ) : null;
+
   return (
     <div className="px-4 py-3 border-t border-neutral-200">
       <div className="flex items-center gap-2 text-xs text-neutral-600">
         <Info className="w-3 h-3" />
         <span className="font-medium">{t('admin.version')}</span>
+        {channelBadge}
       </div>
       <div className="mt-1 space-y-0.5 text-xs text-neutral-500">
         <div>Frontend: v{FRONTEND_VERSION}</div>
@@ -40,6 +68,16 @@ export const VersionInfo: React.FC = () => {
           <div>Backend: v{versionInfo.backend}</div>
         )}
       </div>
+      {updateInfo?.enabled && updateInfo?.updateAvailable && (
+        <div className="mt-2 flex items-center gap-1 text-xs text-blue-600">
+          <ArrowUpCircle className="w-3 h-3" />
+          <span>
+            {t('admin.updates.updateAvailableShort', 'v{{version}} available', {
+              version: updateInfo.latest?.forChannel
+            })}
+          </span>
+        </div>
+      )}
     </div>
   );
 };

frontend/src/i18n/locales/de.json

@@ -1232,6 +1232,20 @@
       "error": "Fehler",
       "checking": "Prüfe..."
     },
+    "updates": {
+      "available": "Update verfügbar",
+      "newVersion": "Version {{version}} ist verfügbar",
+      "currentVersion": "Aktuell: {{version}}",
+      "channel": "Kanal: {{channel}}",
+      "channelStable": "Stabil",
+      "channelBeta": "Beta",
+      "beta": "BETA",
+      "viewReleaseNotes": "Versionshinweise anzeigen",
+      "updateAvailableShort": "v{{version}} verfügbar",
+      "checkForUpdates": "Nach Updates suchen",
+      "upToDate": "Alles aktuell",
+      "lastChecked": "Zuletzt geprüft: {{time}}"
+    },
     "notifications": "Benachrichtigungen",
     "viewAllNotifications": "Alle Benachrichtigungen anzeigen",
     "noNotifications": "Keine neuen Benachrichtigungen",

frontend/src/i18n/locales/en.json

@@ -1037,6 +1037,20 @@
       "error": "Error",
       "checking": "Checking..."
     },
+    "updates": {
+      "available": "Update Available",
+      "newVersion": "Version {{version}} is available",
+      "currentVersion": "Current: {{version}}",
+      "channel": "Channel: {{channel}}",
+      "channelStable": "Stable",
+      "channelBeta": "Beta",
+      "beta": "BETA",
+      "viewReleaseNotes": "View Release Notes",
+      "updateAvailableShort": "v{{version}} available",
+      "checkForUpdates": "Check for Updates",
+      "upToDate": "You're up to date",
+      "lastChecked": "Last checked: {{time}}"
+    },
     "notifications": "Notifications",
     "viewAllNotifications": "View all notifications",
     "noNotifications": "No new notifications",

frontend/src/pages/admin/AdminDashboard.tsx

@@ -17,6 +17,7 @@ import { useTranslation } from 'react-i18next';
 import { useLocalizedDate } from '../../hooks/useLocalizedDate';
 
 import { Button, Card, Loading } from '../../components/common';
+import { UpdateNotification } from '../../components/admin/UpdateNotification';
 import { useQuery } from '@tanstack/react-query';
 import { eventsService } from '../../services/events.service';
 import { adminService } from '../../services/admin.service';
@@ -140,6 +141,9 @@ export const AdminDashboard: React.FC = () => {
 
   return (
     <div>
+      {/* Update Notification */}
+      <UpdateNotification />
+
       {/* Page Header */}
       <div className="flex justify-between items-center mb-8">
         <div>

release-please-config-beta.json

@@ -0,0 +1,30 @@
+{
+  "$schema": "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/googleapis/release-please/main/schemas/config.json",
+  "release-type": "simple",
+  "bump-minor-pre-major": true,
+  "bump-patch-for-minor-pre-major": true,
+  "include-component-in-tag": false,
+  "include-v-in-tag": true,
+  "prerelease": true,
+  "prerelease-type": "beta",
+  "changelog-sections": [
+    { "type": "feat", "section": "Features", "hidden": false },
+    { "type": "fix", "section": "Bug Fixes", "hidden": false },
+    { "type": "perf", "section": "Performance Improvements", "hidden": false },
+    { "type": "revert", "section": "Reverts", "hidden": false },
+    { "type": "docs", "section": "Documentation", "hidden": false },
+    { "type": "style", "section": "Styles", "hidden": true },
+    { "type": "chore", "section": "Miscellaneous", "hidden": true },
+    { "type": "refactor", "section": "Code Refactoring", "hidden": true },
+    { "type": "test", "section": "Tests", "hidden": true },
+    { "type": "build", "section": "Build System", "hidden": true },
+    { "type": "ci", "section": "CI/CD", "hidden": true }
+  ],
+  "packages": {
+    ".": {
+      "release-type": "simple",
+      "changelog-path": "CHANGELOG.md",
+      "extra-files": []
+    }
+  }
+}