Semantic Versioning

Semantic Versioning, also known as SemVer, is a versioning convention used to communicate changes in software products. It provides a standardized way of assigning version numbers to software releases, which helps developers and users understand the nature and impact of changes made to a product.

SemVer consists of three digits separated by dots: Major.Minor.Patch. The first digit represents the major version, which changes when there are significant changes or new features added to the product. The second digit represents the minor version, which changes when there are backward-compatible changes or improvements made to the product. The third digit represents the patch version, which changes when there are bug fixes or small updates made to the product.

In addition to these three digits, SemVer also allows for pre-release versions and build metadata to be appended to a version number. Pre-release versions are denoted by appending a hyphen and a series of alphanumeric characters, such as alpha, beta, or rc (for release candidate). Build metadata is denoted by appending a plus sign and a series of dot-separated identifiers.

SemVer is important because it enables developers to communicate changes to their products in a clear and concise manner. By following this convention, developers can avoid confusion and ensure that users understand the impact of changes made to a product. SemVer also makes it easier for users to manage dependencies and upgrades, as they can quickly identify which versions are compatible with their existing software.

Overall, Semantic Versioning is a valuable tool for Product Managers and developers alike. By using this convention, they can ensure that their products are well-documented and easy to understand, which ultimately leads to better user experiences and more successful products.