� Enhance RC release discoverability

- Add beta/nightly download section to README
- Include latest pre-release badge with direct link
- Create comprehensive BETA_DOWNLOADS.md guide
- Improve release notes with multiple install options
- Add command-line download examples
- Link beta downloads from main documentation

Makes RC releases more discoverable for users wanting early access

Author: Wilson421

.github/workflows/release.yml

@@ -192,13 +192,27 @@ jobs:
             ${{ steps.changelog.outputs.changelog }}
 
             ### 📦 Installation:
-            Download the `.vsix` file and install via VS Code:
+
+            **Option 1: Download and Install**
+            1. Download the `.vsix` file below
+            2. Install via VS Code: `code --install-extension excel-power-query-editor-*.vsix`
+
+            **Option 2: Command Line**
             ```bash
-            code --install-extension excel-power-query-editor-*.vsix
+            # Download latest pre-release
+            curl -L -o excel-power-query-editor.vsix "https://github.com/ewc3labs/excel-power-query-editor/releases/latest/download/excel-power-query-editor-${{ needs.determine-release.outputs.version }}-${{ needs.determine-release.outputs.release_type }}.vsix"
+
+            # Install
+            code --install-extension excel-power-query-editor.vsix
             ```
 
             ### 🧪 Testing Status:
-            ✅ All 63 tests passing across Node 22/24 on Ubuntu/Windows/macOS
+            ✅ All 71 tests passing across Node 22/24 on Ubuntu/Windows/macOS
+
+            ### 🔄 What's Next?
+            - ⭐ **Feedback?** [Create an issue](https://github.com/ewc3labs/excel-power-query-editor/issues/new)
+            - 📚 **Documentation:** [User Guide](https://github.com/ewc3labs/excel-power-query-editor#readme)
+            - 🚀 **Stable Release:** Coming soon to VS Code Marketplace
 
             ---
             **Need help?** Check out our [documentation](https://github.com/ewc3labs/excel-power-query-editor#readme) or [report issues](https://github.com/ewc3labs/excel-power-query-editor/issues).

README.md

@@ -4,6 +4,8 @@ A modern, reliable VS Code extension for editing Power Query M code directly fro
 
 [![License: MIT](https://img.shields.io/badge/License-MIT-yellow.svg)](LICENSE)  
 [![VS Code](https://img.shields.io/badge/VS_Code-Marketplace-blue.svg)](https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=ewc3labs.excel-power-query-editor)  
+[![Latest Release](https://img.shields.io/github/v/release/ewc3labs/excel-power-query-editor)](https://github.com/ewc3labs/excel-power-query-editor/releases/latest)
+[![Latest Pre-release](https://img.shields.io/github/v/release/ewc3labs/excel-power-query-editor?include_prereleases&label=pre-release)](https://github.com/ewc3labs/excel-power-query-editor/releases)
 [![Buy Me a Coffee](https://img.shields.io/badge/Buy%20Me%20a%20Coffee-yellow?logo=buy-me-a-coffee&logoColor=white)](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ewc3labs)
 
 ---
@@ -22,10 +24,16 @@ A modern, reliable VS Code extension for editing Power Query M code directly fro
 
 ### 1. Install
 
+**Stable Release:**
 - Open VS Code → Extensions (`Ctrl+Shift+X`)
 - Search for **"Excel Power Query Editor"**
 - Click **Install**
 
+**Beta/Nightly Builds:**
+- Download the latest `.vsix` from [Releases](https://github.com/ewc3labs/excel-power-query-editor/releases)
+- Install via: `code --install-extension excel-power-query-editor-*.vsix`
+- Get early access to new features and fixes!
+
 ### 2. Extract & Edit
 
 - Right-click any Excel file → **"Extract Power Query from Excel"**
@@ -53,7 +61,10 @@ Power Query development in Excel is often slow, opaque, and painful. This extens
 
 ## 📚 Documentation & Support
 
-For complete documentation, source code, issue reporting, or to fork your own version, visit the [GitHub repo](https://github.com/ewc3labs/excel-power-query-editor).
+- 📖 **[Complete Documentation](https://github.com/ewc3labs/excel-power-query-editor)**
+- 🧪 **[Beta Downloads & Nightly Builds](docs/BETA_DOWNLOADS.md)** - Get early access!
+- 🐛 **[Report Issues](https://github.com/ewc3labs/excel-power-query-editor/issues)**
+- 💬 **[Discussions](https://github.com/ewc3labs/excel-power-query-editor/discussions)**
 
 ---
 

docs/BETA_DOWNLOADS.md

@@ -0,0 +1,72 @@
+# 🧪 Beta Downloads & Nightly Builds
+
+Get early access to the latest features and fixes before they hit the VS Code Marketplace!
+
+## 🚀 Quick Install
+
+[![Latest Pre-release](https://img.shields.io/github/v/release/ewc3labs/excel-power-query-editor?include_prereleases&label=latest%20beta)](https://github.com/ewc3labs/excel-power-query-editor/releases)
+
+**One-click download:**
+- [📦 Latest Beta VSIX](https://github.com/ewc3labs/excel-power-query-editor/releases/latest/download/excel-power-query-editor-prerelease.vsix) *(may not work due to GitHub's naming)*
+
+**Reliable method:**
+1. Go to [Releases](https://github.com/ewc3labs/excel-power-query-editor/releases)
+2. Download the latest `.vsix` file from a "Pre-release" entry
+3. Install: `code --install-extension excel-power-query-editor-*.vsix`
+
+## 🔄 Auto-Update Script
+
+Save this as `update-excel-pq-beta.sh` (or `.bat` for Windows):
+
+```bash
+#!/bin/bash
+# Download and install latest Excel Power Query Editor beta
+
+echo "🔍 Fetching latest beta release..."
+LATEST_URL=$(curl -s https://api.github.com/repos/ewc3labs/excel-power-query-editor/releases | jq -r '.[0].assets[0].browser_download_url')
+
+if [[ "$LATEST_URL" != "null" ]]; then
+    echo "📦 Downloading: $LATEST_URL"
+    curl -L -o excel-power-query-editor-beta.vsix "$LATEST_URL"
+    
+    echo "🚀 Installing..."
+    code --install-extension excel-power-query-editor-beta.vsix
+    
+    echo "✅ Beta installed! Restart VS Code to use."
+    rm excel-power-query-editor-beta.vsix
+else
+    echo "❌ Could not fetch latest release"
+fi
+```
+
+## 📋 What's in Beta?
+
+Beta releases include:
+- 🆕 **New Features** - Latest functionality before marketplace release
+- 🐛 **Bug Fixes** - Immediate fixes for reported issues  
+- ⚡ **Performance Improvements** - Speed and reliability enhancements
+- 🧪 **Experimental Features** - Try cutting-edge capabilities
+
+## ⚠️ Beta Considerations
+
+- **Stability:** Generally stable, but may have occasional issues
+- **Feedback:** Please [report any bugs](https://github.com/ewc3labs/excel-power-query-editor/issues/new) you find!
+- **Updates:** New betas released automatically when code is pushed
+- **Rollback:** Keep stable version handy in case you need to revert
+
+## 🔗 Beta Release Channels
+
+- **🏷️ Release Candidates (RC):** `v0.5.0-rc.1`, `v0.5.0-rc.2` - Near-final versions
+- **🌙 Nightly Builds:** Automatic builds from latest `release/` branch commits
+- **🔥 Hotfixes:** Critical fixes released immediately as needed
+
+## 📞 Support
+
+Having issues with a beta? 
+- [📋 Check existing issues](https://github.com/ewc3labs/excel-power-query-editor/issues)
+- [🆕 Report new bugs](https://github.com/ewc3labs/excel-power-query-editor/issues/new)
+- [💬 Discussion forum](https://github.com/ewc3labs/excel-power-query-editor/discussions)
+
+---
+
+**Happy testing!** 🧪✨