Software Testing - Release Notes
The software release note is a document circulated along with the software when it is either still under the development state or in beta release state and to be used by the customers. It lists down all the updates made to the software. This kind of document is released as a part of the final build of the software which comprises the new enhancements, defect fixes etc and generally written by the technical content writers or product managers.
What is a Software Release Note?
A software release note points to the technical documentation created and given out during the launch of a new software or enhancements such as defect fixes, functional updates, and latest changes made to an already available software. A release note is usually very important either for the end users working with the software or for the internal team. It can act as a replacement for a user guide or manual (that gives detailed documentation on the software).
Why is a Software Release Note Important in Product Management?
A software release note is important in product management for the reasons listed below −
- A release note plays an important role in improving the end user experiences with the software as it provides the chance to initiate interactions with the customers and the market.
- A release note helps to improve the customer loyalty, confidence and faith in the software.
Components of Software Release Note
The components of the software release note are listed below −
- Header − This section comprises the name of the document and product, release number and date, release note date, and the release note version.
- Overview − This section describes the overview of the software, enhancements, defect fixes etc.
- Goals − This section describes the latest updates made to the software for this release.
- Defect Summary − This section gives a brief description of the defects, and enhancements incorporated in the software.
- Steps To Reproduce − This section describes the steps that are followed when the defects are detected in the software.
- Defect Fixes − This section describes the code and other configuration changes made on the software inorder to fix the defects.
- Customer Impact − This section lists down the activities to be performed by the users, and the features impacted by the latest code changes.
- Support Required − This section describes the particular modifications needed to manage the software.
- Notes − This section describes the installation process of the hardware, upgrades, documentation of the software etc.
- Disclaimers − This section describes the disclaimers pertaining to the organization and the software.
- Contact − This section describes the contact details for further support requests.
- Schedule − This section describes the timelines when the latest version of the software will be available to the end users.
Best Practices to be Followed While Writing Software Release Notes
The best practices to be followed while writing the software release notes are listed below −
- A software release note should be written in plain and simple words.
- A software release note should be brief and easily understood.
- A software release note should be to the point and should only describe the defect fixes, enhancements, and the new features incorporated.
- A software release note should contain only high level details. However, the links to the detailed information should be included within the document.
- A software release note should be engaging and should contain only the information required by the customers.
- A software release note should be able to formally document the new modifications made to the software.
- A software release note should be able to communicate the latest functionalities, and updates which includes what all things are added, removed, or changed on the software.
- A software release note should be able to list down all the modifications, bug fixes and their benefits to the customers in a single sentence.
- All changes to the software mentioned in the release note may not be always visible, some are done for the backend, to improve the overall efficiency of software or to provide the basis for all future enhancements.
- A software release note should have a release number, date, and references(an internal id, github references etc).
Conclusion
This concludes our comprehensive take on the tutorial on Software Release Note. Weve started with describing what is a software release note, why is a software release note important in product management, and what are the best practices to be followed while writing the software release notes. This equips you with in-depth knowledge of Software Release Note. It is wise to keep practicing what youve learned and exploring others relevant to Software Testing to deepen your understanding and expand your horizons.