VersionInfo

**VersionInfo**

VersionInfo is a structure used in Windows operating systems to store metadata about a file, such as its version number, product name, copyright information, and other related details. This structure is primarily accessed through the Windows API functions like GetFileVersionInfo, VerQueryValue, and GetFileVersionInfoEx. It is commonly utilized in software development to provide users with version-specific information, such as updates, compatibility details, and licensing terms.

The VersionInfo structure contains fields that describe the file's version, file series, language, and other attributes. For example, the `FileVersion` field holds the version number of the file, while `ProductVersion` indicates the version of the software to which the file belongs. Additional fields include `FileDescription`, `CompanyName`, `LegalCopyright`, and `PrivateBuild`, which can provide further context about the software, such as release notes or build details.

VersionInfo is particularly useful for version checking and conditional compilation. Developers can use this metadata to determine whether a user has a specific version of a program installed, enabling them to serve different content or features based on the version. This is often implemented using version-specific resources, such as different language packs or updates, which can be dynamically loaded at runtime.

The structure is also tied to resource files (`.rc`) in Windows, where version-related strings are defined. These resources can be embedded within an executable or DLL, allowing the application to retrieve and display version information without requiring external files. This approach is widely used in software distribution to maintain consistency and provide users with accurate version details.