Release It is a command-line tool that automates versioning and package publishing workflows. It handles version bumping, Git operations, changelog generation, and publishing to package registries, with extensibility through plugins and hooks for custom commands.
The tool solves the problem of coordinating multiple manual steps in release processes. It works by prompting users to select a new version, then executing a configurable sequence of tasks: updating version files, creating Git commits and tags, running tests or build commands via hooks, generating changelogs, publishing to npm or other registries, and creating releases on GitHub or GitLab. The tool detects the current version from package.json, Git tags, or plugins, and supports both interactive mode with confirmations and fully automated CI mode.
Release It suits any project needing structured release automation, though it is most commonly used for npm packages. It works with monorepos through dedicated recipes and supports Yarn and pnpm via plugins. The tool is generic enough to publish anywhere through its plugin system and hook mechanism, making it applicable beyond npm-only workflows. Installation can be per-project, global via npm or Homebrew, or containerized for standardized environments.
Development activity shows consistent engagement with the codebase through regular updates and maintenance. The project maintains active documentation with configuration examples and usage guides. External resources including videos and articles demonstrate real-world adoption patterns. The maintainers actively encourage community contribution and sponsorship, indicating ongoing investment in the project's sustainability.
