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principle-release-engineering

Plan software releases with semver, expand-contract rollouts, and rollback mechanisms.

2|8|Updated Apr 20, 2026
Search Tags:#breaking changes#release notes#semver#feature flags#release engineering#rollback plan#idempotent automation
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/lugassawan/swe-workbench --skill principle-release-engineering
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: principle-release-engineering
Source: https://github.com/lugassawan/swe-workbench/tree/main/skills/principle-release-engineering
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/lugassawan/swe-workbench --skill principle-release-engineering

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

This Skill helps teams release software without breaking users by enforcing disciplined versioning, contract evolution, rollout safety, and reliable re-runs.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Semver discipline: Use MAJOR.MINOR.PATCH correctly to communicate intent to callers, including safe defaults for uncertain pre-1.0 behavior.
  • Expand-contract for breaking changes: Break changes safely via phased Expand → Migrate → Contract deployments that preserve rollback safety.
  • Idempotent release automation & gates: Prevent partial-release disasters by making release steps re-entrant and verifying gates before tagging.
  • Post-release verification & rollback planning: Confirm the published artifact is reachable and correctly tagged, and prepare rollback mechanisms (including kill-switch feature flags) before release.

Quick Start

Tell your AI assistant: "Using principle-release-engineering, draft a release plan for v2.1.0 that includes semver reasoning, expand-contract steps for a breaking API change, an idempotent automation checklist, pre-release gates, and a documented rollback plan with a feature-flag kill-switch."

Frequently Asked Questions about principle-release-engineering

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I safely release breaking API changes without losing rollback capability?▼

To safely release breaking API changes while retaining rollback capability, use an expand-contract phased deployment approach. This involves expanding the API with new elements, migrating consumers, and contracting old elements sequentially.

What is the correct way to apply semver discipline when preparing release notes for pre-1.0 software?▼

Semver discipline for pre-1.0 software requires communicating intent to callers through MAJOR.MINOR.PATCH versioning, establishing safe defaults for uncertain behavior. This ensures users understand the contractual integrity of the release.

How do I prevent partial-release disasters when running release automation steps?▼

Prevent partial-release disasters by implementing idempotent release automation that makes tagging, publishing, and changelog steps re-entrant. This allows safe re-runs of failed release steps without duplicating artifacts.

How does a feature flag kill-switch work for post-release rollback planning?▼

A feature flag kill-switch provides a rollback mechanism by allowing immediate deactivation of risky changes post-release. This must be prepared before release, alongside strict pre-release gates and post-release artifact verification.

What are the limitations of relying solely on semver for release engineering safety?▼

Relying solely on semver is limited because it only communicates intent. Safe recovery requires strict pre-release gates, idempotent automation, post-release artifact verification, and expand-contract rollouts to handle automation failures.

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