# Release Notes

The `initial` and `next` subdirectories of this directory are for release notes.

## For developers

Release notes should be added to `next` by editing existing files or creating
new files. **Do not add RELNOTE=yes comments in CLs.** Instead, add a file to
the CL (or ask the author to do so).

At the end of the development cycle, the files will be merged by being
concatenated in sorted order by pathname. Files in the directory matching the

### Upgrade Checklist

- Test all upgrades in a lower environment (DEV, QA, UAT) before applying to production. Performing blind upgrades in production environments carries significant risk.
- Read the release notes for MinIO *before* performing any upgrade, there is no forced requirement to upgrade to latest release upon every release. Some release may not be relevant to your setup, avoid upgrading production environments unnecessarily.