What do version numbers represent?

A version number is a unique number or set of numbers assigned to a specific release of a software program, file, firmware, device driver, or even hardware. Typically, as updates and entirely new editions of a program or driver are released, the version number will increase.

What is the use of versioning?

In software development, versioning allows development teams to keep track of changes they make to the project code. The changes may include new functions, features or bug fixes. Minor changes can also be tracked in a similar manner.

How do you use a SemVer?

To use SemVer efficiently, follow these steps:

  1. Look through the commits since the last release and decide if this will be a major, a minor or a patch release.
  2. Tag your releases.
  3. Track all of the changes in a Changelog (a file with a list of changes) so the users know what is the difference between the product versions.

How do software version numbers work?

Software versioning is the process of assigning either unique version names or unique version numbers to unique states of computer software. Within a given version number category (e.g., major or minor), these numbers are generally assigned in increasing order and correspond to new developments in the software.

When should I change my version number?

There are simple rules that indicate when you must increment each of these versions:

  1. MAJOR is incremented when you make breaking API changes.
  2. MINOR is incremented when you add new functionality without breaking the existing API or functionality.
  3. PATCH is incremented when you make backwards-compatible bug fixes.

How do I label a version of documents?

Use a ‘revision’ numbering system. Minor changes can be indicated by increasing the decimal figure for example, v01_01 indicates a minor change has been made to the first version, and v03_01 a minor change has been made to the third version.

Why is version control important?

Version control is important to keep track of changes — and keep every team member working on the right version. You should use version control software for all code, files, and assets that multiple team members will collaborate on. It needs to do more than just manage and track files.

What are the benefits of version control?

Version control enables the current team to analyze the deletion, editing, and creation of datasets made since the original copy. It brings clarity to the development of the software. It ensures that different versions of the document are distinguishable from each other. So, it is easy to identify the latest version.

What is a patch version?

When a new version of software is released, users of that software are entitled to a free patch or an upgrade at a discounted price, depending on the current license owned. A patch is offered to users who currently own a license for a version of the software that has the same major revision number as the new release.

Why do we need semantic versioning?

The whole point behind semantic versioning is to let you keep track of all the changes and progress you make. What’s more, if you’re an end user and you keep up with releases, the version numbers tell you when it’s really important to update.

When should I update my version numbers?

There are simple rules that indicate when you must increment each of these versions: MAJOR is incremented when you make breaking API changes. MINOR is incremented when you add new functionality without breaking the existing API or functionality. PATCH is incremented when you make backwards-compatible bug fixes.

How do I manage software version numbers?

Five Tips for Implementing Semantic Versioning

  1. 1 – Communicate clearly to your users.
  2. 2 – Have an open release schedule (that changes gradually)
  3. 3 – Be consistent and predictable.
  4. 4 – Communicate changes regularly and transparently.
  5. 5 – Get user feedback.