release-pipeline-validation-workflow

name	release-pipeline-validation-workflow
description	Operational workflow for CI/CD-style validation gates, packaging checks, and staged release readiness in Godot projects.
tier	operational
godot_version	4.6+
doc_anchors	["godot-docs/tutorials/editor/command_line_tutorial.rst","godot-docs/tutorials/export/exporting_projects.rst","godot-docs/tutorials/export/feature_tags.rst","godot-docs/tutorials/scripting/debug/overview_of_debugging_tools.rst"]
tags	["release","ci-cd","validation"]
depends_on	["godot-skills/godot-operational/qa-validation-loop/SKILL.md","godot-skills/godot-operational/test-execution-contract/SKILL.md","godot-skills/godot-foundations/foundation-platform-export-compatibility/SKILL.md"]

Release Pipeline Validation Workflow

Use When

• Preparing staged releases and automated quality gates.
• Converting ad hoc validation into repeatable release checks.

Outcomes

• Release readiness gates are explicit and reproducible.
• Packaging/export checks are tied to target support matrix.
• Rollback readiness and post-release verification are defined.

Required Rules

• Run diagnostics and targeted tests before broad release checks.
• Validate package/export outputs against target matrix and feature tags.
• Require staged smoke verification before production promotion.
• Keep rollback plan documented and testable.

Workflow

1. Define release gates (diagnostics, tests, export/package, smoke).
2. Execute pre-release validation sequence in deterministic order.
3. Build and verify artifacts for target configurations.
4. Run staged smoke checks and record pass/fail evidence.
5. Publish release decision with rollback notes.

Validation

• Gate outputs include machine-readable pass/fail evidence.
• Export/package checks pass for declared targets.
• Rollback drill is documented and executable.

Failure Modes

• Release checks run out of order and hide earlier structural errors.
• Artifacts pass build but fail target-specific smoke checks.
• Rollback plan is missing or untested.

Local Doc Anchors

• godot-docs/tutorials/editor/command_line_tutorial.rst
• godot-docs/tutorials/export/exporting_projects.rst
• godot-docs/tutorials/export/feature_tags.rst
• godot-docs/tutorials/scripting/debug/overview_of_debugging_tools.rst