A Canary Release is a software deployment strategy that allows developers to test new features or updates with a small subset of users before a full rollout. This approach minimizes risk by monitoring the performance and user feedback of the new version in a controlled environment. If issues arise, developers can quickly address them without affecting the entire user base. The term comes from the practice of using canaries in coal mines to detect toxic gases. Similarly, in a Canary Release, the initial group of users acts as a "safety net," helping to identify potential problems early in the deployment process.