What is a release?¶
A release was a standardized package created by a release group. It contained the actual content, documentation and integrity information needed to distribute and verify that content.
Larger releases were commonly split into many compressed archive parts. An NFO described the release, while an SFV listed checksums used to confirm that every part arrived intact. Music releases could also include playlists, and some packages included samples or installation information.
The release name¶
A directory name—often called the release tag—summarized important facts such as the title, year, source, format, language, special status and group name.
The exact structure depended on the category and its current rules.