Julia Programming Language Release Process Explained

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Julia programming language's software release process, aiming to clarify procedures that are often opaque to outsiders. It details the distinctions between patch, minor, and major releases under the Semantic Versioning (SemVer) standard, specifying what changes are permitted in each category. Patch releases focus on bug fixes and low-risk improvements, occurring roughly monthly, while minor releases introduce new features and internal refactoring every four months. Major releases address fundamental API design flaws. The text also explains the Long-Term Support (LTS) strategy, which maintains up to four active branches simultaneously, including the master branch for new development and unstable release branches for testing. By documenting these stages, milestones, and risk tolerances, the author seeks to help the Julia community and other developers choose appropriate versions and understand the lifecycle of the language. The information is compiled from community forums and collaboration channels to serve as a potential official reference.