@@ -7,7 +7,12 @@ author: The Node.js Release Team
77---
88
99Starting with 27.x, Node.js will move from two major releases per year to one.
10- This post explains what's changing, why, and what it means for users.
10+ This post explains what's changing, why, and what it means for users. For the
11+ full discussion and background, see [ nodejs/Release #1113 ] ( https://github.com/nodejs/Release/issues/1113 ) .
12+
13+ ** TL;DR:** If you already upgrade between LTS versions, little changes beyond
14+ version numbering. LTS support windows remain similar, and the upgrade path
15+ stays the same.
1116
1217## Why This Change
1318
@@ -21,6 +26,10 @@ We now have a decade of data showing how people actually use Node.js:
2126- The odd/even distinction confuses newcomers.
2227- Many organizations skip odd releases entirely, upgrading only between LTS versions.
2328
29+ We also recognize that enterprises need predictability. The new schedule is
30+ designed to be well-defined, so teams can plan upgrades and allocate resources
31+ accordingly.
32+
2433### Volunteer Sustainability
2534
2635Node.js is maintained primarily by volunteers. While some contributors receive sponsorship, most
@@ -79,13 +88,19 @@ available as automated untested builds from `main` – Alpha releases may not co
7988upcoming breaking changes. Not intended for production use.
8089
8190** What to expect:**
91+
8292- Semver-major changes may land during this phase
8393- Releases are signed and tagged (unlike nightly)
8494- API may change between releases
95+ - The release cadence is flexible; the Release Team will determine the timing
96+ and frequency of Alpha releases based on the volume of changes and project needs
8597
8698** Why:** Provides early feedback on breaking changes with quality gates that
8799Nightly builds lack. Also allows landing V8 updates earlier in the cycle.
88100
101+ The rules for shipping semver-major commits in Alpha versions will be defined by
102+ the Release Team and documented in the [ Release repository] ( https://github.com/nodejs/Release ) .
103+
89104## What's NOT Changing
90105
91106- ** Long-Term Support duration** remains similar (29 months)
@@ -144,6 +159,7 @@ record of the support claims from the project.
144159
145160This change is the result of discussions across GitHub issues, Release Working Group meetings, and
146161[ the Collaboration Summit Chesapeake 2025] ( https://youtu.be/ppi87YjU9x0?si=NFF5WKIGDJE_U-_V&t=6524 ) .
162+ We will continue discussing this topic at the upcoming Collaboration Summit in London.
147163We thank everyone who contributed feedback.
148164
149165For questions or comments, see [ nodejs/Release #1113 ] ( https://github.com/nodejs/Release/issues/1113 ) .
0 commit comments