Earlier branch creation and extension of the maintenance policy: Soft launch

Context

gitlab-com/gl-infra/software-delivery&1 (closed) proposes to move the active stable branch generation one week earlier in the release schedule to allow for thorough testing and timely backports. This will increase the quality, safety, and reliability of the monthly release while enabling a better developer experience and confidence.

Changing the monthly release schedule impacts GitLab Engineering and Product. To ease the transition, this issue coordinates a soft launch of the earlier branch creation along with the extension of the maintenance policy, see #21430 for more details

Exit criteria

  • Use 18.4 as a pilot for the early month branch and the extension of the maintenance policy (after the general plan has been approved #21430)
  • Gather feedback from GitLab engineering and product
  • Establish metrics of success #21119

Requirements

Edited by Mayra Cabrera