Stale-build detection in Luminous
Luminous periodically checks whether the version of the application running in your browser matches the version currently deployed to the server. This protects you from subtle errors that can occur when a new release is pushed while your browser is still running older code.
Silent reload at startup
When you first open or reload a Luminous tab, the app compares its own build against what the server is currently serving. If they differ and your tab has just started (no work has been entered yet), Luminous refreshes the page automatically — you will see a very brief flash and then land on the current version. No action is needed from you.
To prevent an infinite reload loop in unusual situations (for example, a partially completed deployment), the automatic reload only happens once per new build per tab.
"Update available" toast notification
If your tab has been open and active for 7 or more days since the build you loaded was compiled, Luminous will show an "Update available" info banner the next time you navigate to a new page. The message reads:
This tab is running a version of Luminous from X days ago. Reload to get the latest.
The notification is dismissible and will not interrupt a form you are filling in — it only appears at page transitions. It will reappear at subsequent navigations until you reload.
To clear it: reload the browser tab (F5 / ⌘R). This loads the current build and the notification will stop appearing.
If you are on a public (signed-out) page
If you are on a login or public page and Luminous detects a newer build, it will apply the same silent-reload logic as at startup — the page refreshes automatically because there is no in-progress work to lose.
Frequently asked questions
Can I stop the automatic reload? No — it is a safety mechanism that only fires at startup before any content has rendered, so there is nothing to lose. The mid-session toast is always dismissible.
Will I lose unsaved work? No. The silent boot reload fires before any page content appears. The live-tab toast never reloads automatically while you are signed in; you choose when to reload.
Why does the notification say "X days ago"? Luminous compares the timestamp baked into your running bundle against the timestamp of the build currently on the server. If the difference is 7 days or more, the notification appears.
The page just went blank and reloaded — is that normal? Yes, if it happened immediately after opening or refreshing a tab. That is the boot-time stale-build check finding a newer version and refreshing before first paint.