Recommended version number structure
Sample version sequence within one release cycle
- 1.2.3-alpha
- 1.2.3-alpha-1
- 1.2.3-beta
- 1.2.3-rc
- 1.2.3-rc-1
- 1.2.3
- 1.2.3-1
The version consists of:
- major (1)
- minor (2)
- micro (3)
- stage - alpha/beta/rc, or the implicit "final"
- patch number - 1..n or implicit 0
Stage "alpha"
Alpha releases are good for exchanging artifacts with other teams, or within a widely distributed team.
Compatibility between subsequent alpha releases is not any important value and is not required, in order to avoid limitations in this early stage.
Stage "beta"
Beta releases are useful for evaluation with limited set of customers - to gather early feedback, and to allow them prepare for new features.
Compatibility between subsequent beta releases should be attempted, but without guarantee.
Stage "rc" - release candidate
Public releases allowing consumers to prepare their development for new features.
Compatibility between subsequent rc releases is important, but important bugs can still be fixed in an incompatible way.
Stage "final"
Public releases for consumer's production environment.
Subsequent releases of the same version must be compatible in all defined and documented respects; bugs should be fixed only if they significantly reduce usability and fixes are not too invasive.
