Pre-Release Checklist

Pre-release checklist defines tasks to complete before publishing design system packages. These checks verify that code, documentation, and communication are ready for release. Thorough pre-release preparation prevents problems that are harder to fix after publication.

What Is a Pre-Release Checklist

A pre-release checklist lists verification and preparation steps to complete before executing the release. It ensures nothing is forgotten in the final push toward publication. The checklist serves as a gate that must pass before proceeding.

Pre-release activities differ from ongoing development activities. While tests run continuously, pre-release might include additional validation. While documentation updates happen throughout, pre-release confirms everything is current and complete.

How Pre-Release Checklists Work

Pre-release checklists organize tasks by category, making it easy to verify each area is addressed. Common categories cover code, documentation, communication, and logistics.

Code verification confirms the codebase is release-ready. All tests pass on the release branch. Linting produces no errors. Visual regression tests show no unexpected changes. Build produces correct artifacts.

Documentation verification confirms documentation is complete and accurate. Changelog reflects all changes. API documentation is updated. Migration guides are written and tested. Release notes are drafted.

Communication preparation ensures stakeholders are informed. Internal teams know about the upcoming release. Support channels are prepared for potential questions. Announcement content is ready.

Logistics verification confirms practical matters are in order. Version numbers are correct. Publishing credentials are available. Release timing is appropriate (avoiding holidays or high-risk periods).

Key Considerations

• Make checklists specific enough to verify completion
• Include both action items and verification items
• Assign responsibility for checklist completion
• Allow sufficient time for pre-release activities
• Document what to do if checklist items fail

Common Questions

How detailed should pre-release checklists be?

Checklist detail should balance thoroughness with usability. Too brief misses important items; too detailed becomes cumbersome.

Action items should be specific enough to complete unambiguously. “Update documentation” is vague. “Update API documentation for changed components” is specific enough to verify.

Verification items should have clear pass/fail criteria. “Tests pass” is clear. “Code is good” is not verifiable.

Grouping by category helps navigation. Organizing related items together makes the checklist easier to follow. Jumping between unrelated items increases cognitive load.

Focusing on release-specific items avoids duplication. Items that happen in normal development (like passing code review) may not need explicit pre-release checks if already enforced.

What happens when pre-release checklist items fail?

Checklist failures require resolution before proceeding. The response depends on what failed and its severity.

Code failures typically block release. Failing tests, build errors, or security issues must be fixed. The fix goes through normal review and the checklist restarts.

Documentation failures may be fixable quickly. Missing changelog entries or outdated API docs can often be addressed immediately. The checklist continues after correction.

Communication failures might allow proceeding with adjustment. If announcement content is not ready, the release might proceed with communication following shortly after.

Timing failures suggest delay. If the release timing is problematic (such as a team event or known issue), delaying to a better time is appropriate.

Documenting failure patterns improves processes. If the same items frequently fail, the underlying process may need improvement.

Summary

Pre-release checklists verify readiness before publishing design system packages. Checklists covering code, documentation, communication, and logistics ensure nothing is forgotten. Specific, verifiable items and clear failure handling make checklists effective gates before release.