07 / Ship checklist

The last mile is still part of the tool.

A useful release works outside the comfortable state of your own editor. Walk through the tool as someone who has only the files and instructions you plan to share.

Start with nothing remembered

Use a clean fixture and follow your own setup instructions from the beginning. Name the runtime version you tested, the command to run, and any required configuration. Make missing configuration produce an actionable message. Do not depend on an untracked file, a secret in your shell history, or a globally installed package you forgot to mention.

Check the edges of the promise

Try empty input, invalid input, and a realistic larger example. Confirm that the output is accurate before checking its appearance. For an interface, verify labels, visible keyboard focus, and a narrow screen. For a script, inspect exit codes and what happens if the output destination already exists.

Make recovery ordinary

Explain where output is written and how to remove it. Keep destructive actions explicit and give users a preview when practical. Write down what the tool does not support yet. Before sharing a build, inspect included files for credentials and private fixtures. A short honest release note is more useful than a long list of intended features.

A brief to adapt
Review this tool against its README and acceptance examples. Check clean setup, invalid input, output collisions, and accidental secret inclusion. Report evidence and unresolved gaps; do not claim checks you cannot run.