doc: release management

README.md

@@ -130,6 +130,7 @@ For users
 - [Code samples](./tutorials/README.md)
 
 For developers
+- [Release management](./RELEASE-MANAGEMENT.md)
 - Core concepts *\[coming soon\]*
 - Contribution guide *\[coming soon\]*
 

RELEASE-MANAGEMENT.md

@@ -0,0 +1,36 @@
+# Release management
+
+This guide describes the steps required to release a new version of **LCA as Code (LCAAC)**.
+
+## Prerequisites
+- You have the latest version of the main branch.
+- You have the necessary permissions to tag releases and trigger workflows.
+- You have access to the repository homebrew-lcaac for package updates.
+
+## Release Steps
+1. **Update the version number**
+
+   Update the version consistently across the following files:
+    - `resources/META-INF/lcaac.properties`
+    - `gradle.properties`
+    - `README.md` → update the installation script from source (around line 31)
+
+   ⚠️ Double-check that all version numbers match.
+
+2.**Merge your pull request**
+
+   Ensure your changes are merged into the `main` branch.
+3.**Create a Git tag**
+
+   Add a tag to the main branch (replace `X.Y.Z` with the new version number).
+
+   Use semantic versioning (`MAJOR.MINOR.PATCH`) format
+   ```
+   git tag vX.Y.Z
+   git push origin vX.Y.Z
+   ```
+   This will trigger the publication workflow that builds and publishes the release artifacts.
+
+## Post-Release Steps
+- Update Homebrew and Nix formulas
+  To make the new version available via brew and nix by following the instructions in the `kleis-technology/homebrew-lcaac` repository.