This is a short overview of the main Debian teams that mainly participate in the release process. Each team entry is intentionally brief — links point to each team’s dedicated page.
Coordinates the overall Debian release cycle: setting freeze dates, managing release-critical bug handling, and approving package transitions into the stable release.
Primary communication:
debian-release@lists.debian.org
IRC: #debian-release
Maintains the Debian archive infrastructure, processes uploads (including the
NEW queue), and imports packages into the archive. Performs archive
maintenance during release migrations (testing → stable).
Primary communication:
ftpmaster@debian.org
IRC: #debian-ftp
Tracks vulnerabilities affecting Debian stable, coordinates fixes and
backports, and publishes Debian Security Advisories. Responsible for
security uploads to security.debian.org for supported releases.
Primary communication:
Private: team@security.debian.org
Public: debian-security-announce
IRC: #debian-security
Develops and tests the Debian installer (debian-installer), prepares
installer release candidates and images, and verifies installer readiness for
each Debian release.
Primary communication:
debian-boot@lists.debian.org
IRC: #debian-boot
Builds the official installation media (CD/DVD/USB/ISO). Assembles and signs release images and publishes them (e.g. on https://www.debian.org/CD/) to match the released archive.
Primary communication:
debian-cd@lists.debian.org
IRC: #debian-cd
Prepares release announcements, press releases, and project news. Coordinates translations, website updates, and social-media outreach when a new Debian release is published.
Primary communication:
debian-publicity@lists.debian.org
IRC: #debian-publicity
Release Team: debian-release@lists.debian.org, #debian-release
FTP Team: ftpmaster@debian.org, #debian-ftp
Security Team: team@security.debian.org, debian-security-announce, #debian-security
Debian Installer: debian-boot@lists.debian.org, #debian-boot
CD/Image: debian-cd@lists.debian.org, #debian-cd
Publicity: debian-publicity@lists.debian.org, #debian-publicity
Debian Release Process
Core Topics
Meta