What it does
semantic-release is an open-source release automation tool, commonly run from a CI environment after tests pass. A repository configuration specifies release branches and plugins; those plugins interpret project changes, create Git tags and can publish packages or GitHub releases. Its plugin model supports different registries and release destinations. The tool is focused on release decisions and publishing, not on compiling or testing the code being released.
Use semantic-release when a project wants CI to decide and publish releases from its configured history, rather than editing version numbers by hand. Set the branch policy and plugins in package.json, a .releaserc file or a release.config module.
Release path
- Configure release branches, tag format and plugins for the package destinations you actually use.
- Run the command in CI only after required tests pass. A dry run can help inspect the planned behavior before publishing is enabled.
- On an eligible change, the configured plugins create tags, release notes and package or GitHub publications. Git needs push access for tags, and registry plugins need their own publishing credentials.
This example is illustrative; no CI job ran and nothing was published. Keep tokens in the CI secret store and protect release branches, because a successful job can publish automatically. The tool is a poor fit for a workflow where every tag and package must wait for a separate manual approval step.
Strengths
- Combines version decisions, changelog or release-note generation and publishing through a plugin workflow.
- Supports multiple release branches and prerelease channels through configuration.
- Documents CI recipes for several providers and reusable shareable configurations.
Watch out for
- Needs repository push access to create tags and publication credentials for plugins that write to package registries.
- Once the configured CI job succeeds, releases can be created automatically, so branch protections and permission scopes matter.
Best for
- JavaScript package maintainers automating semantic versions and publishing
- Projects that release through several branches or prerelease channels
- Teams that want one configurable release workflow across multiple package destinations
Sources
- Automate your release with semantic-release (Oct 25, 2026)
- Getting started | Semantic Release (Oct 25, 2026)
- Configuration | Semantic Release (Oct 25, 2026)
- CI Configuration | Semantic Release (Oct 25, 2026)
- Release Steps | Semantic Release (Oct 25, 2026)
- semantic-release repository (Oct 25, 2026)
- MIT License (Oct 25, 2026)