Short answer

A plan groups the stories and bugs expected to be completed within a specific period. A release marks the point when completed software or a product is delivered to users or deployed to production.

In this article

Plan: scope and progress for a period

A plan is typically associated with a project or iteration. It brings the expected scope together so the team can plan the work and track progress within that period.

Release: a delivery point

A release is used when completed software is delivered or deployed. It records the outcome of delivery rather than replacing the planning view for an iteration.

How they work together

Use the plan to decide what the team intends to complete and to monitor progress. Use the release to identify and communicate the point at which the resulting product is delivered or made available.