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docs(docs/about/contributing): document cutting a release branch#26950

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docs(docs/about/contributing): document cutting a release branch#26950
f0ssel wants to merge 3 commits into
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docs/cut-release-branch

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@f0ssel f0ssel commented Jul 1, 2026

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Adds a "Cutting a release branch" subsection to the Releases docs in docs/about/contributing/CONTRIBUTING.md, documenting the current default way to start a new release: cut a release/X.Y branch by hand from the target commit (check out the commit, create the branch, and push it with an upstream). Each step includes example git output.

It also marks the automated create-release-branch (Tag and Release) workflow as experimental in the Workflow section, since manual branch cutting is the current default.

Decision log
  • Placed in the existing ## Releases section of docs/about/contributing/CONTRIBUTING.md (maintainer release process), not the user-facing docs/install/releases/.
  • Framing: manual branch cutting is the current default. The automated create-release-branch workflow (.github/workflows/tag-and-release.yaml) is still experimental, so the Workflow section now carries an experimental note that points to the manual steps.
  • Verbatim git output is preserved but wrapped in <details> blocks for scannability. The commit SHA and branch name are placeholders (<commit-sha>, <short-sha>, release/<version>).
  • Validation: markdownlint-cli2 and Vale both report 0 issues on the file.

Generated by Coder Agents on behalf of @f0ssel.

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📖 View docs preview for docs/about/contributing/CONTRIBUTING.md

@f0ssel f0ssel changed the title docs(docs/about/contributing): add manual release branch cutting steps docs(docs/about/contributing): document cutting a release branch Jul 1, 2026
@f0ssel f0ssel marked this pull request as ready for review July 1, 2026 23:49
@f0ssel f0ssel enabled auto-merge (squash) July 2, 2026 00:56

@mtojek mtojek left a comment

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I'm catching up with the status quo, so don't irritate if my questions/comments are ridiculous.

step, continuing the RC numbering sequence.

> The automated `create-release-branch` workflow (Tag and Release) is still
> experimental. Cutting the branch by hand is the current default; see

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WDYM by experimental? Should we use it or not yet?

</details>

The release branch now exists on the remote and tracks
`origin/release/<version>`.

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At this point, we don't process/prepare any release notes... yet, correct?

Comment on lines +302 to +309
If you want to create a new branch to retain commits you create, you may
do so (now or later) by using -c with the switch command. Example:

git switch -c <new-branch-name>

Or undo this operation with:

git switch -

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nit: perhaps trim the output, so it won't confuse operators

branch and set the remote as its upstream:

```shell
git push --set-upstream origin release/<version>

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  1. In a few words:
git checkout <main or commit SHA>
git checkout -b "release/<next release number>"
git push origin "release/<next release number>"

correct?

  1. If yes, then I don't see how that matches the Release.yaml workflow:
Use workflow from: <main or commit SHA>
Release channel: ?
Release notes for the publishing the release. This is required to create a release: ?

EDIT:

Ok, I see that there is another workflow file Tag and Release. Could you link it in this document, or is it a temporary name?

  1. Yesterday you just created the branch release/2.35, and no RC tagged?

Replace the placeholders in the commands below:

- `<commit-sha>`: the full commit SHA you want to release from.
- `release/<version>`: the release branch name, following the `release/X.Y`

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QQ regarding the automated method via create-release-branch:

Does the workflow automatically figure out the correct version? I mean, it should be straightforward for the next release v2.35, but how does it work if I want to release a patch v2.34.12? Can I specify that with the workflow?

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