CockroachDB, a scalable and consistent SQL database, initially prioritized correctness and performance but has faced challenges with stability, particularly in maintaining a stable 10-node cluster under continuous load. The complexity of intertwined components, under or over-designed stability fixes, and constant code changes have contributed to this instability. To address this, the team has initiated a "code yellow" focusing on stability, designating a dedicated team to manage stability fixes separately from new feature development. This strategic shift has impacted contributors, who now work on a separate branch to minimize instability, and users, who have experienced a slowdown in beta releases as stability is prioritized over new features. The team anticipates resuming regular releases focused on stability fixes, with new features available only from the source.