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+# etcd
+
+
+## Upstream release cadence and support
+
+The etcd project maintains release branches for the current version and previous release.
+
+For example, when v3.5 is the current version, v3.4 is supported. When v3.6 is released, v3.4 goes out of support.
+
+Reference: https://etcd.io/docs/v3.5/op-guide/versioning/
+
+
+## NixOS release and etcd version upkeep
+
+Every major/minor version bump of `etcd` top-level alias in nixpkgs requires a notification in the next NixOS release notes scheduling the removal of the now unsupported etcd version.
+
+After every NixOS release, the unsupported etcd versions should be removed by etcd maintainers.
+
+
+## User guidelines on etcd upgrades
+
+Before upgrading a NixOS release, certify to upgrade etcd to the latest version in the current used release.
+
+Manual steps might be required for the upgrade.
+
+NixOS release notes might have instructions on how to proceed on upgrades.