> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://alphaconsultings.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Release Cadence

> Channels, eligibility rules, and promotion criteria.

# Release Cadence

## Channels

* `alpha`: early validation, no stability guarantees
* `beta`: feature-complete validation window
* `rc`: release-candidate validation for blockers only
* `stable`: production channel with versioning policy guarantees
* `LTS`: long-term support line after stability criteria are met

## Cadence model

* patch: corrections, regressions, security fixes as needed
* minor: scheduled batches after additive validation
* major: intentional breaking changes with migration guidance

## Commit message release rules

* semantic-release evaluates commit message types, not changed files
* `docs:` commits are configured to publish a patch release
* use `docs:` for documentation changes that should ship to consumers
* do not use `chore:` for releasable documentation updates
* `chore:` remains non-releasing unless another configured rule says otherwise

## Stable promotion

Required:

* green CI
* green package smoke
* release qualification checklist
* changelog updated
* upgrade docs for behavioral changes

## LTS promotion

* stable reliability across releases
* API/CLI compatibility rules enforced
* coverage target reached
* support policy and consumer docs complete from install through operations

## Emergency release

* security/critical regressions can bypass cadence
* still require versioning compliance, changelog, and upgrade note where needed