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Project Launch Checklist

Launching a new open-source project can be a daunting task. This checklist is designed to help you ensure a smooth and successful launch.

Pre-Launch

This is the phase where you prepare your project for its public debut.

Initial Repository Setup

These are the very first steps to take after creating a new repository from the base template.

• Choose a Repository Name:
  • Max Characters: 100
  • Advice: Pick a name that is short, memorable, and descriptive of your project. Avoid using spaces; use hyphens (-) or underscores (_) instead.
• Write a Description:
  • Max Characters: 350
  • Advice: This is your project’s “elevator pitch.” Briefly explain what your project does and who it’s for. This description is shown in search results and on the repository page.
• Set Up GitHub Pages Publishing:
  1. Go to your repository’s Settings tab.
  2. In the left sidebar, click on Pages.
  3. Under “Build and deployment,” for the Source, select GitHub Actions. This repository is pre-configured with a workflow to build and deploy your site.
• Publish Test:
  1. Make a small, visible edit to the README.md file (e.g., add a sentence).
  2. Commit and push the change to the main branch.
  3. Go to the Actions tab of your repository and wait for the pages workflow to complete successfully.
  4. Visit your new GitHub Pages URL (e.g., https://<your-username>.github.io/<your-repo-name>/) to confirm that your change is live.
• Tag an Initial Release (v0.0.1):
  • This step confirms that your release workflow is functioning correctly.
  • Run the following commands in your local terminal:

    git tag -a v0.0.1 -m "Initial setup and project scaffolding"
    git push origin main --tags
    

  • Go to the Releases page on your repository to confirm that a new v0.0.1 release has been created automatically.

Code and Repository

• Finalize initial feature set for v1.0.0.
• Write comprehensive tests and ensure they are all passing.
• Set up CI/CD workflows for testing and linting.
• Polish the codebase: remove commented-out code, fix typos, and ensure consistent styling.
• Run a security audit (e.g., check dependencies for known vulnerabilities).

Documentation

• Write a clear and compelling README.md.
• Create a CONTRIBUTING.md file with guidelines for contributors.
• Add a LICENSE file (e.g., MIT, Apache 2.0).
• Write user guides and API reference documentation.
• Add a CODE_OF_CONDUCT.md to set community standards.

Community & Marketing

• Prepare a blog post or announcement for the launch.
• Identify communities (e.g., Reddit, Hacker News, specific forums) where you will share your project.
• Create a project website or landing page (GitHub Pages is a great option).
• Set up social media accounts if desired.

Launch Day

The day you make your project public.

• Publish your code: Make your GitHub repository public.
• Push the v1.0.0 tag: This will trigger your automated release workflow.

  git tag -a v1.0.0 -m "Initial public release"
  git push origin main --tags
  

• Monitor for feedback: Keep a close eye on GitHub issues, social media, and other channels for questions and bug reports.
• Be responsive: Engage with early adopters, answer questions, and thank them for their interest.

Post-Launch

The work doesn’t stop after launch day. Now it’s about building momentum.

Short-Term (First Week)

• Triage and fix critical bugs reported by early users.
• Publish a v1.0.1 patch release if necessary.
• Thank the community for the feedback and support.
• Share any positive press or comments.

Long-Term (First Month and Beyond)

• Continue to be responsive to issues and pull requests.
• Start working on the features planned for v1.1.0.
• Nurture your community by empowering contributors (see the Community Building Guide).
• Set up a regular release cadence.
• Periodically review and update your documentation.

This checklist is a starting point. Feel free to adapt it to the specific needs of your project. Good luck with your launch!

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