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name: release-notes-generator description: Generates accurate, user-facing release notes from specifications and approved changes. Use before every release. triggers: [pre-release, deployment-final-stage] outputs: [release-notes, change-log-entry]

Release Notes Generator

Purpose

Communicates the value and impact of changes to the end users and stakeholders. It ensures that every release is documented accurately and professionally.

When to use this skill

• During the final stage of a release cycle
• When preparing documentation for a production deployment
• After a major feature or bug fix has been merged

Generation Steps

1. Extract Approved Changes: Pull data from implementation_plan.md and approved spec updates.
2. Categorize Changes:
   • New Features: User-facing additions.
   • Bug Fixes: Resolved issues.
   • Behavior Changes: Critical for existing users to know.
3. Exclude Internal Noise: Ignore refactors, internal tooling updates, and minor formatting changes.
4. Format for Audience: Use clear, non-technical language where possible.

Decision Tree

Copyflowchart TD
    A[Gather Changes] --> B{User Facing?}
    B -->|No| C[Exclude from Release Notes]
    B -->|Yes| D{Bug Fix or Feature?}
    D -->|Bug| E[Add to 'Bug Fixes' Section]
    D -->|Feature| F[Add to 'New Features' Section]
    D -->|Behavioral| G[Add to 'Breaking Changes' Section]
    E --> H[Format & Publish]
    F --> H
    G --> H

Review Checklist

1. Accuracy: Do the notes match the actual behavior of the code?
2. Clarity: Are the descriptions understandable to someone not involved in the code?
3. Completeness: Are any critical behavior changes missing?
4. Tone: Is the language professional and helpful?

How to provide feedback

• Be specific: "The note for 'Fast Login' doesn't mention that it requires a new client version."
• Explain why: "Users on old clients will be confused when the feature doesn't work."
• Suggest alternatives: "Add 'Requires Client v1.2.0+' to the feature description."

Release notes are a contract with users.