---
applyTo: "CHANGELOG.md,src/defaults.json,lib/defaults.json,src/api-compatibility.json"
---

# Merging release, mergeback, and backport PRs

The release process creates a cascade of PRs (`main` → `releases/vN`, then
`releases/vN` → `main` mergeback, then `releases/vN` → `releases/v(N-1)`
backport). These PRs reliably touch `CHANGELOG.md`, `src/defaults.json` /
`lib/defaults.json` (bundle/CLI version bump), and `src/api-compatibility.json`.

Such PRs **must be merged with a merge commit**. Never squash or rebase, as
that breaks the branch linkage the release automation relies on.

When arming auto-merge on these PRs, use `--merge` (e.g. `gh pr merge --merge`),
not `--squash` or `--rebase`.