buildnumber

A build number is a unique identifier assigned to a specific version of a software application or system. It is typically an integer that increments with each new build, indicating the sequence in which the builds were created. Build numbers are crucial for tracking the development and release history of software, as they provide a clear way to distinguish between different versions.

Build numbers are often used in conjunction with version numbers, which follow a more structured format such as major.minor.patch (e.g., 1.2.3). While version numbers indicate the level of changes and improvements, build numbers offer a finer granularity by marking each individual build. This is particularly useful in continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) environments, where software is frequently updated and released.

In some cases, build numbers may include additional information, such as the date and time of the build, the name of the developer who created it, or the specific commit from the version control system. This extra metadata can be helpful for debugging and auditing purposes.

Build numbers are essential for software development and maintenance, as they enable developers and stakeholders to identify and manage different versions of the software effectively. By using build numbers, teams can ensure that they are working with the correct version of the software, track the progress of development, and quickly identify and resolve issues.