Verziószámok

Verziószámok, often translated as version numbers, are a system used to uniquely identify different iterations or releases of a software product, a document, or any other item that undergoes development or modification. The primary purpose of version numbers is to track changes, facilitate communication among developers and users, and manage dependencies.

A common convention for version numbering is semantic versioning, often abbreviated as SemVer. SemVer typically follows a MAJOR.MINOR.PATCH format. The MAJOR version number is incremented for incompatible API changes. The MINOR version number is incremented for adding functionality in a backward-compatible manner. The PATCH version number is incremented for backward-compatible bug fixes. For example, 1.2.3 would represent version 1, minor version 2, and patch 3.

Beyond SemVer, other schemes exist. Some systems might include build numbers or release dates as part of the version string. For instance, a version might be presented as 1.2.3-beta.1 or 2023.10.27. The specific format and rules for incrementing version numbers are usually defined by the project's maintainers or a governing standard.

The use of version numbers is crucial for software development. It allows users to know which specific release they are using, enabling them to report bugs accurately or ensure compatibility with other software. Developers use version numbers to manage their release cycles, coordinate work, and revert to previous stable versions if necessary. Without clear versioning, managing complex projects and their dependencies would be significantly more challenging.