Understanding Semantic Versioning: A Guide to Incrementing Version Numbers in Software Development

1. Major version (X.0.0): For backward-incompatible changes.
2. Minor version (X.Y.0): For backward-compatible new features.
3. Patch version (X.Y.Z): For backward-compatible bug fixes.

In the ever-evolving landscape of software development, versioning plays a crucial role in communicating changes, updates, and compatibility to both developers and users. Semantic Versioning (SemVer) has become the industry standard for versioning software, providing a clear and standardized way to convey information about a software release. In this blog, we’ll delve into the three components of semantic versioning and the standard formats for incrementing version numbers.

Semantic Versioning Components

Semantic Versioning consists of three numerical components separated by dots: Major, Minor, and Patch. Each component serves a specific purpose and signifies the nature of changes introduced in a software release.

1. Major Version (X.0.0): For Backward-Incompatible Changes

• Increment the major version when making significant changes that break backward compatibility.
• This can include major architectural changes, removal of features, or any modification that prevents existing code from working with the new version.

2. Minor Version (X.Y.0): For Backward-Compatible New Features

• Increase the minor version for backward-compatible features or enhancements.
• These changes should provide additional functionality without breaking existing features or requiring significant code modifications.

3. Patch Version (X.Y.Z): For Backward-Compatible Bug Fixes

• Increment the patch version for backward-compatible bug fixes.
• These changes address issues without introducing new features or breaking existing functionality.

Standard Formats for Incrementing Version Numbers

Now, let’s explore the standard formats for incrementing version numbers based on the nature of the changes:

1. Major Version Increment:

• X.0.0
• Example: If the current version is 2.1.3, a major backward-incompatible change would result in the new version 3.0.0.

2. Minor Version Increment:

• X.Y.0
• Example: If the current version is 3.2.1, adding backward-compatible features leads to the new version 3.3.0.

3. Patch Version Increment:

• X.Y.Z
• Example: If the current version is 1.5.2, fixing backward-compatible bugs results in the new version 1.5.3.

Thanks You !
Follow for more https://medium.com/@m-rakesh-kr