PHP RFC: Policy release process update

• Version: 0.3
• Date: 2025-05-09
• Author: Jakub Zelenka, bukka@php.net
• Status: In Voting

This is a policy RFC that tries to match the current policy with the process that we currently have and also clarify few details.

The policy change is composed of the following items

• Add a Requirements Notation section to the README to define the use of BCP 14 / RFC 2119 and RFC 8174 keywords.
• Replace the “From / Updated by” header with a Sources table listing the relevant RFCs.
• Introduce a new Backward Compatibility section that:
  • Defines what constitutes a BC break and standardises related terminology (syntax, userland API, internal API, ABI).
  • Notes several situations that are not considered BC breaks (such as deprecations or fixes to undefined behaviour).
  • Clarifies documentation requirements for user-facing and internal changes.
• Clarify the versioning rules:
  • Major versions may include BC and ABI breaks and may end SAPI or extension support.
  • Minor versions should remain backward compatible, but may end extension support; SAPI removal is not recommended. Other BC or ABI breaks may occur if justified and approved through an RFC.
  • Patch versions remain for bug and security fixes only, with a narrow exception for high-severity security issues that may require an ABI change.
• Add a new Major Version Bump section describing the decision process and timing for introducing a new major series.
• Extend post-GA maintenance rules to allow:
  • Build-compatibility fixes and limited crash or regression fixes during years 3 and 4 with RM approval.
• Update the Feature Selection and Development process:
  • New features are proposed through GitHub PRs.
  • RFCs are only required if a core developer objects or requests one within a defined review period.
  • User-facing language changes still always require an RFC.
• Adjust Release Manager responsibilities to match current practice and remove obsolete wording.

Yes / No vote requiring 2/3 Yes votes to pass. Vote will end 2025-12-16T12:00:00Z.

Update the release process as proposed?
Real name	Yes	No	Abstain
bukka
bwoebi
crell
dragoonis
galvao
girgias
ilutov
kalle
mbeccati
ocramius
patrickallaert
petk
santiagolizardo
sergey
theodorejb
Count:	11	0	4
This poll will close on 2025-12-16 12:00:00 UTC.

• https://github.com/php/policies/pull/19