release_checklist.md

Release checklist

Use this checklist before cutting a release candidate.

1) Quality gates

• python -m pytest tests/ -q passes locally.
• scripts/verify_local.sh completes successfully.
• scripts/prepare_release.sh passes (--dry-run for preview, full run before RC).
• CI workflows are green:
  • .github/workflows/ci.yml
  • .github/workflows/docker-sim-smoke.yml (when applicable)

2) Evidence artifacts

• docs/final_checklist.md reflects current artifacts and commands.
• docs/research_notes.md Implemented vs Deferred section is up to date.
• docs/verification_matrix.md command matrix is still accurate.

3) Documentation

• README.md quickstart/commands are current.
• docs/README.md indexes new or renamed guides (full doc map).
• docs/ARCHITECTURE_STATUS.md matches notable code changes.
• CONTRIBUTING.md references current testing, Ruff, Mypy, and release workflow.

4) Versioning / changelog

• Add an entry to CHANGELOG.md.
• Tag release version according to project policy.

5) Final sanity checks

• sage run smoke (with available local models) succeeds.
• sage bench --out ... writes JSON artifact.
• sage sim run --docker smoke succeeds (if Docker available).