Why we shift objectives and not release dates at GitLab

GitLab's time-based release cycle, characterized by its strict adherence to releasing updates on the 22nd of every month, is designed to foster a disciplined, predictable, and motivational development environment. This approach, championed by founder Dmitriy Zaporozhets, contrasts with feature-driven releases by emphasizing the importance of shipping products on a schedule rather than waiting for perfection, which can lead to delays and decreased morale. The regularity of releases enhances user trust and planning, while also promoting an active development community that is crucial for open source projects. GitLab's model is similar to that of other open source initiatives, like Ubuntu, and aims to inspire quality work and community participation by ensuring that developers can see the results of their efforts being used promptly. This approach, while sometimes leading to intense periods of work before a release, is balanced with rest and celebration, ultimately creating a vibrant and motivated community focused on continuous improvement and engagement.

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