Release process

Documentation index

Versioning

The alpha line follows semantic prerelease identifiers:

• 0.9.1-alpha.1
• 0.9.1-alpha.2
• 0.9.2-alpha.1

The Git tag adds a leading v.

Keep these synchronized:

• root VERSION
• retro_get_system_info() library version
• CHANGELOG.md
• docs/releases/<tag without v>.md

Preflight

git status --short
git fetch origin --tags --prune
git diff --check
gh auth status

Require a clean tree before applying source work. Do not publish from a disposable renderer test worktree.

Build

.\BUILD_WINDOWS_X64.ps1 `
  -Clean `
  -MsysRoot 'C:\_Hub\_Dev\Tools\MSYS2' `
  -SkipPrerequisiteInstall

Expected artifacts:

dist\mesen_ce_nes_libretro.dll
dist\mesen_ce_nes_libretro.info
dist\SHA256SUMS.txt
dist\DLL_IMPORTS.txt

Verify

• mandatory Libretro exports are present
• forbidden MinGW runtime dependencies are absent
• DLL checksum is generated
• non-HD NES works
• FDS firmware/content works
• classic HD packs work
• semantic HD packs work
• pause, fast-forward, rewind, and state load are tested
• renderer overlap matrix passes
• published checksum matches the local DLL

Publish

1. Commit the exact source and documentation used for the build.
2. Fast-forward the public main branch without rewriting history.
3. Create and push an annotated tag.
4. Create a GitHub prerelease with --verify-tag.
5. Upload DLL, .info, checksum, and import audit.
6. Verify the release assets and checksum.

The one-time 0.9.1 reset also archives old release metadata/assets and removes the previous experimental releases/tags after the new alpha release exists. Future releases must not routinely delete history.