Both changelogs and roadmaps are communication tools, but they serve different purposes in the product lifecycle.
| Roadmap | Changelog | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A forward-looking plan that outlines what features or initiatives are planned, in progress, or under consideration. | A backward-looking record of what has already shipped. |
| Purpose | Communicates intent and helps align internal teams and customers on the product’s direction. | Keeps customers informed about updates, bug fixes, improvements, and new features, ensuring awareness and adoption. |
In practice, these tools are most powerful when used together. Feedback becomes a roadmap item; once completed, it flows into a changelog entry. Platforms like FeatureOS connect these pieces seamlessly, allowing customers to follow the full journey from “idea submitted” → “planned” → “shipped” → “announced.”