Versionrange

Versionrange, or version range, is a constraint used in dependency management to specify which versions of a given component are acceptable. A version range describes a set of versions defined by lower and upper bounds, with an indication of whether the bounds are inclusive or exclusive. For example, an interval like [1.0.0,2.0.0) includes all versions from 1.0.0 up to, but not including, 2.0.0.

Version ranges are interpreted by package managers and build systems to resolve dependencies automatically. Different ecosystems use different syntax, but the underlying idea is the same: to allow updates within a compatible window while avoiding versions that might introduce breaking changes. Common patterns include inclusive or exclusive comparisons (e.g., >=1.2.3, <2.0.0) and ecosystem-specific notations, such as caret and tilde forms in semantic versioning, or interval notation in some languages and tools.

The main purpose of a versionrange is to balance stability and progress. By constraining upgrades, projects can receive compatible bug fixes and minor improvements without risking breaking changes. However, overly broad ranges may pull in incompatible updates, while very tight ranges can prevent beneficial fixes from being adopted automatically. If no version satisfies the specified range, dependency resolution will fail.

Best practices include selecting clear, well-justified bounds, preferring minimum compatible versions where appropriate, and regularly testing with updates to catch compatibility issues. Version ranges are a fundamental concept across dependency graphs, affecting build reproducibility and the ease of software maintenance.