Semantic-release
semantic-release is a tool for automating the package release workflow. It uses commit messages to determine the type of release, then handles the release process automatically by updating version numbers, generating changelogs, publishing to npm, and creating Git tags.
Semantic-Release: Automate Package Release Workflow
A tool for automating package release workflow using commit messages, updating version numbers, generating changelogs, publishing to npm, and creating Git tags.
What is Semantic-release?
semantic-release is a Node.js tool that automates the software release workflow by analyzing commit messages to determine the next semantic version number, generating release notes, publishing the package to npm, and creating Git tags.
Here are some key features of semantic-release:
- Uses commit messages formatted according to the Conventional Commits specification to determine whether a change should trigger a major, minor or patch release.
- Automatically increments package version number according to semantic versioning rules.
- Generates a changelog based on commit messages since the last release.
- Publishes updated npm package.
- Creates Git tags to mark new releases.
- Extensible through plugins - can integrate with other tools like GitHub Actions.
The main benefit of semantic-release is taking the human decision-making out of releases. By formalizing commit standards and release steps, it ensures packages stay up-to-date and release process stays consistent between contributors.
Semantic-release Features
Features
- Automates the package release workflow
- Determines release type based on commit messages
- Updates version numbers automatically
- Generates changelogs
- Publishes packages to npm
- Creates Git tags
Pricing
- Open Source
Pros
Automates tedious release tasks
Provides consistent release workflow
Follows semantic versioning best practices
Integrates with CI/CD pipelines
Reduces human errors in releases
Cons
Requires specific commit message format
May require config tweaking for complex projects
Less flexibility compared to manual releases
Potential for unintended releases if commits are not properly labeled
Official Links
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