Versioning Strategies

Introduction

Versioning strategies are crucial in software development, allowing teams to manage changes effectively, maintain compatibility, and ensure stability in their projects. This lesson will explore various versioning strategies, their importance, and best practices for implementation.

Key Concepts

Version Control

Version control is a system that records changes to files or a set of files over time, so you can recall specific versions later. It allows multiple team members to collaborate and track modifications.

Semantic Versioning

Semantic Versioning (SemVer) is a versioning scheme that uses three numbers: MAJOR.MINOR.PATCH. Changes in these numbers indicate the level of changes made to the software.

MAJOR version when you make incompatible API changes.
MINOR version when you add functionality in a backwards-compatible manner.
PATCH version when you make backwards-compatible bug fixes.

Versioning Strategies

1. Semantic Versioning (SemVer)

Semantic Versioning is widely used and highly recommended because it clearly indicates the nature of changes in each release.

1.0.0 → 1.0.1 (bug fix)  
1.0.0 → 1.1.0 (new feature)  
1.0.0 → 2.0.0 (breaking change)

2. Date-Based Versioning

This strategy uses the release date as the version number (e.g., YYYY.MM.DD). It is suitable for projects with frequent updates.

2023.10.01 (October 1, 2023)

3. Incremental Versioning

Simple sequential versioning (e.g., 1, 2, 3) is also common, especially in smaller projects. It does not convey the nature of the changes, however.

Best Practices

Always follow a consistent versioning strategy.
Document version changes in a CHANGELOG file.
Use tags in version control systems to mark releases.
Communicate version changes clearly to all stakeholders.

Tip: Automate versioning processes using scripts or CI/CD tools to minimize human error.

FAQ

What is semantic versioning?

Semantic versioning is a versioning scheme that conveys meaning about the underlying changes with a version number in the format MAJOR.MINOR.PATCH.

Why is versioning important?

Versioning is critical for tracking changes, maintaining compatibility, and managing dependencies between different modules or systems.

How do I choose a versioning strategy?

Your choice of versioning strategy should depend on project requirements, team size, and release frequency. Semantic versioning is a safe choice for most projects.

Flowchart of Versioning Strategy Decision-Making


            graph TD;
                A[Start] --> B{Does the change introduce breaking changes?};
                B -- Yes --> C[Increment MAJOR version];
                B -- No --> D{Is it a new feature?};
                D -- Yes --> E[Increment MINOR version];
                D -- No --> F[Increment PATCH version];
                C --> G[End];
                E --> G;
                F --> G;