referensversion

Referensversion is a designation for a specific version of a document, dataset, standard, or software component that serves as the reference point or baseline against which other versions are compared, tested, or cited. It is considered the authoritative or canonical version within a project, organization, or standard.

The primary purpose of a referensversion is to ensure consistency, reproducibility, and traceability. By fixing a baseline, teams can reproduce results, perform accurate comparisons, and maintain a clear audit trail. In practice, the referensversion may be used for validation, benchmarking, translations, and conformance testing, as well as for citations in documentation and publications.

Governance and metadata are typically associated with a referensversion. The baseline is identified by metadata such as a revision number, date, responsible author or team, rationale for the choice, and any accompanying notes. It is often stored in a version-controlled repository or an archival system and may be tagged or archived as a formal release.

Relation to other versions is central to its role. New updates produce newer versions, while the referensversion remains the stable reference for the period or scope it covers. When a newer baseline is adopted, it may replace the referensversion or be designated as the new standard for future work, with migration or compatibility considerations.

Examples span software libraries, technical standards, research datasets, and publication processes, where a referensversion anchors comparisons, benchmarks, and reproducibility efforts.