diff --git a/.github/workflows/release.yml b/.github/workflows/release.yml
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..468c804
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.github/workflows/release.yml
@@ -0,0 +1,55 @@
+name: Release
+
+on:
+  push:
+    branches: [main]
+
+concurrency:
+  group: ${{ github.workflow }}-${{ github.ref }}
+  cancel-in-progress: false
+
+permissions:
+  contents: write
+
+jobs:
+  release:
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    steps:
+      - uses: actions/checkout@v4
+        with:
+          token: ${{ secrets.GITHUB_TOKEN }}
+
+      - name: Detect release tag in commit message
+        id: detect
+        run: |
+          MSG="${{ github.event.head_commit.message }}"
+          if echo "$MSG" | grep -qE '\[(major|minor|patch)\]'; then
+            echo "triggered=true" >> "$GITHUB_OUTPUT"
+          else
+            echo "triggered=false" >> "$GITHUB_OUTPUT"
+          fi
+
+      - name: Read version
+        if: steps.detect.outputs.triggered == 'true'
+        id: version
+        run: echo "version=$(cat VERSION)" >> "$GITHUB_OUTPUT"
+
+      - name: Create and push tag
+        if: steps.detect.outputs.triggered == 'true'
+        run: |
+          git tag "v${{ steps.version.outputs.version }}"
+          git push origin "v${{ steps.version.outputs.version }}"
+
+      - name: Package release artifact
+        if: steps.detect.outputs.triggered == 'true'
+        run: zip -r release.zip . --exclude ".git/*" --exclude ".github/*"
+
+      - name: Create GitHub Release
+        if: steps.detect.outputs.triggered == 'true'
+        env:
+          GH_TOKEN: ${{ secrets.GITHUB_TOKEN }}
+        run: |
+          gh release create "v${{ steps.version.outputs.version }}" \
+            release.zip \
+            --title "Release v${{ steps.version.outputs.version }}" \
+            --generate-notes
diff --git a/.github/workflows/validate-version.yml b/.github/workflows/validate-version.yml
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3d0cabf
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.github/workflows/validate-version.yml
@@ -0,0 +1,31 @@
+name: Validate version
+
+on:
+  pull_request:
+    branches: [main]
+
+jobs:
+  validate:
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    steps:
+      - uses: actions/checkout@v4
+
+      - name: Check version consistency
+        run: |
+          VERSION=$(cat VERSION)
+          FAILED=0
+
+          PLUGIN_VERSION=$(jq -r '.version' plugin/.claude-plugin/plugin.json)
+          if [ "$VERSION" != "$PLUGIN_VERSION" ]; then
+            echo "::error::Version mismatch: VERSION=$VERSION but plugin/.claude-plugin/plugin.json.version=$PLUGIN_VERSION"
+            FAILED=1
+          fi
+
+          MARKET_VERSION=$(jq -r '.plugins[0].version' marketplace.json)
+          if [ "$VERSION" != "$MARKET_VERSION" ]; then
+            echo "::error::Version mismatch: VERSION=$VERSION but marketplace.json.plugins[0].version=$MARKET_VERSION"
+            FAILED=1
+          fi
+
+          [ "$FAILED" -eq 0 ] && echo "All versions consistent: $VERSION"
+          exit $FAILED
diff --git a/CONTRIBUTING.md b/CONTRIBUTING.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..38c07be
--- /dev/null
+++ b/CONTRIBUTING.md
@@ -0,0 +1,45 @@
+# Contributing to JFrog VS Code Plugin
+
+Thank you for your interest in contributing! This project is maintained by JFrog and licensed under the [Apache License 2.0](LICENSE).
+
+## Contributor License Agreement (CLA)
+
+All contributors must sign the [JFrog CLA](https://jfrog.com/cla/) before contributions can be merged. A CLA check runs automatically on every pull request — follow the prompts to sign if you haven't already.
+
+## How to Contribute
+
+1. **Fork** the repository and create a feature branch from `main`.
+2. Make your changes, ensuring they follow the existing code style and project conventions.
+3. **Commit** with a clear, descriptive message.
+4. Open a **pull request** against `main` with a summary of what changed and why.
+
+## Releasing
+
+To cut a release:
+
+1. In your PR, bump `VERSION` and sync both `plugin/.claude-plugin/plugin.json` `.version` and `marketplace.json` `.plugins[0].version` to match. The `validate-version` PR check enforces this.
+2. Merge to `main` with `[major]`, `[minor]`, or `[patch]` anywhere in the commit message.
+
+The release workflow reads `VERSION`, creates a `vX.Y.Z` git tag, and publishes a GitHub Release with a repo zip attached. No bot push to `main` — the version bump is part of the PR itself.
+
+## Reporting Issues
+
+Open a [GitHub issue](https://github.com/jfrog/vscode-plugin/issues) with:
+
+- A clear title and description of the problem.
+- Steps to reproduce (if applicable).
+- Expected vs. actual behavior.
+
+## Code Guidelines
+
+- Keep changes focused — one logical change per PR.
+- Follow existing patterns and naming conventions in the codebase.
+- Do not commit secrets, credentials, or API keys.
+
+## Code of Conduct
+
+Be respectful and constructive. We are committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive experience for everyone.
+
+## Questions?
+
+Reach out to the JFrog DevRel team at devrel@jfrog.com.
diff --git a/VERSION b/VERSION
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..21e8796
--- /dev/null
+++ b/VERSION
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+1.0.3
diff --git a/plugin/.claude-plugin/plugin.json b/plugin/.claude-plugin/plugin.json
index 0c70bb8..20c9c7e 100644
--- a/plugin/.claude-plugin/plugin.json
+++ b/plugin/.claude-plugin/plugin.json
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 {
   "name": "jfrog",
   "description": "JFrog Platform integration with MCP, security skills, and supply-chain best practices",
-  "version": "0.1.0",
+  "version": "1.0.3",
   "author": { "name": "JFrog", "url": "https://jfrog.com" },
   "hooks": "hooks/hooks.json"
 }