Proposal: Release 2.21.0: no rcs; LTS version

[cowtowncoder]

We are getting close to wanting to release new Jackson 2.x minor version, 2.21.
Changes accumulated so far can be seen here: https://github.com/FasterXML/jackson/wiki/Jackson-Release-2.21

LTS (Long-Term Support) version: yes?

Since the first branch designated as LTS, 2.18, Jackson 3.0.0 has been released and it seems reasonable to provide a new stable LTS baseline.

Why now?

Releasing 2.21 is a pre-req for 3.1, due to some additions to jackson-annotations (esp. @JsonDeserializeAs, @JsonSerializeAs). Since 3.1 is getting closer to being ready, we need 2.21 of jackson-annotations out.

RC or no-RC?

Although we have usually cut one or two Release Candidate versions, I have some concerns about releasing any this time around.

First of all: doing rc1 is additional 2-3 work event for me. If it did help in getting feedback, and if upcoming version had major changes, it'd be worth it. But.

1. I haven't felt RCs get widely tested in general (exceptions exist; 3.0.0 RCs worked quite well)
2. 2.21 contains relatively low-risk changes

Because of this, I propose straight 2.21.0 release with no rc1.

Timeline

At this point the only issues to complete I am aware of are:

• modules-base#229: PR for adding "SPI subtypes" module in 2.21

Please LMK if there others.

Once above are resolved (whether completed, decided to postpone), 2.21.0 release can proceed.

But no earlier than Friday, January 16, 2026.

[cowtowncoder]

/cc @JooHyukKim @k163377 @pjfanning @sdeleuze

[pjfanning]

I agree that an RC adds little value because the 2.x RCs don't get much external testing

[JooHyukKim]

+1 for No RC's as well

[JooHyukKim]

@cowtowncoder Java8 module has 3 bug fixes. Lets release them also?

[cowtowncoder]

When I talk about release, it is always a full set -- except for rare case of micro-batches that only release individual component (so far only done for jackson-databind and jackson-core).

So yes Java 8 modules would be released as part of new minor relase.

[cowtowncoder]

Jackson 2.21.0 release out now: https://github.com/FasterXML/jackson/wiki/Jackson-Release-2.21 -- closing.