Users interested in trying out this new version can find the binaries at https://bitcoincore.org/bin/bitcoin-core-28.0/test.rc1/. For those looking to review or contribute to the source code, it is hosted on GitHub under a signed tag accessible via https://github.com/bitcoin/bitcoin/tree/v28.0rc1.

This version marks a significant milestone as a new major version release of Bitcoin Core. To facilitate a better understanding of the changes and improvements introduced in this update, preliminary release notes have been made available. These notes provide detailed insights into what users and developers can expect from version 28.0rc1. The draft of the release notes can be found at https://github.com/bitcoin-core/bitcoin-devwiki/wiki/28.0-Release-Notes-Draft.

Release candidates serve an essential role in the development cycle by allowing users to test new versions under real-world conditions. Feedback obtained during this phase is crucial for identifying and resolving any critical problems before the final release. Assuming no significant issues are discovered with v28.0rc1, the plan is to move forward by officially tagging this version as v28.0. This process underscores the community-driven approach to enhancing and securing the Bitcoin Core software, ensuring it meets the high standards expected by its user base.