We're pleased to announce the availability of the second Drupal 5 release candidate. We fixed most (if not all) pressing issues so we'd like you to help us test the stability, correctness and performance of this release so we can iron out the remaining issues. After 7-8 months of hard work, we're almost there, folks! And it is going to be a release which we can be really proud of.

Download it from: http://ftp.osuosl.org/pub/drupal/files/projects/drupal-5.0-rc2.tar.gz.

Read on to find out more details ...

Everyone

No matter who you are, start by either installing or upgrading to the new version of Drupal (see INSTALL.txt or UPGRADE.txt for more details). As with everything not formally released, we do not recommend running the release candidate on a live site. If you do, make sure you backup your entire site and database before.

Module and theme developers

Please start the work on updating your modules and themes, to ensure users a smooth upgrade in the not too distant future. Please file any API bug you might encounter.

Drupal interface translators

It's time to blow the dust off your dictionaries! With all the user interface strings frozen, you can start the translating Drupal 5. You can download the translation templates from Drupal.org CVS. Updated translations will be available shortly, watch this announcement or the translations mailing list!

Testers

Are you are gifted with the "Poison Finger"? Does seemingly normal code collapse into a flying mess of errors as soon as you get hold of the mouse? If so, why not have a run at breaking Drupal? When you discover a bug, check the issue queue to see if it is already known. If it is not, submit a bug report. The more polish we can apply before the final release, the better.

When will Drupal 5 get released?

Soon! Erm, I mean: "when it's ready". ;)

Drupal version: Drupal 5.x