Identify release inputs
In the source, config/release.env defines the version, architecture and build ID. iso/manifests/ contains package selections. Dependency resolution adds packages during the build, so read build-reports/packages.tsv for the full output inventory.
Build and verify
Prepare a clean checkout and a new build ID. On a dedicated builder, check the version-specific prerequisites and free-space calculation. Verify the hardware cache and signed packages, then run iso/build-live as documented for that checkout. Test UEFI and BIOS, install on a disposable disk, and boot without the ISO.
Publish a release
Record the ISO, SHA-256, package inventory, changes and known limitations under the same build ID. Distinguish virtual tests from physical hardware validation. Repository packages and installation images can be released independently.