semantic-release automates the entire package release workflow, including determining the next version number, generating the release notes, and publishing the package. By enforcing semantic versioning based on commit messages, it eliminates the need for manual version management while promoting transparency and consistency. The tool reduces human error and frees developers to focus on code, streamlining package updates and ensuring smooth dependency management for consumers.
Semantic-release npm package downloads show an upward trend from February 2024 to July 2025, peaking in June 2025 at 11.7 million. August 2025 downloads sharply declined to 3.8 million, likely due to incomplete data since the current date is early September.
Semantic-release exhibits fluctuating release frequency. Initial rapid development in 2015 slowed significantly in 2016-2017. Releases picked up pace again from late 2017 through 2019. From 2020 onward, release frequency became more sporadic, with peaks in early 2021 and 2023, followed by periods of inactivity. The most recent data shows a decrease in release activity through August 2025.
