Software version numbers?

Question

Hi

I was just flicking through my A level computing book and I saw a section on version numbers, but it wasn't really explained very well. Can someone please explain when you add a version number, what each number means (as in, in V7.9.2 what the 2 stands for) I do program, but have never really understood about version numbers. Also, you don't have to use numbers right? How do other systems work (for example using letters). Can you give me some examples to look at please (say of programs that use numbers, letters etc.)

Thanks you,
Sophie

Answer 1

Hi,



Version numbering is a tricky topic in softwares, and there is really no single rule for it. It's up to the developer how he numbers to name his versions, and he could use names as well. With numbers however, generally a software starts as an Alpha or Beta with a fraction of a number, say 0.1. Then he implements a small fix to that version, so he calls it 0.1.1. Another few small fixes would make in his point 0.1.3



When the software is stable enough, he may decide to call it a stable release and name it, logically, 1.0.0. Small quick bug fixes could go as 1.0.1... Patches that add some minor features could be 1.1.0 for instance, and when major changes come in, he would jump in to 2.0.0. There is no rule over it however, and you will see some softwares jumping in numbers for one reason or another.



Keep in mind though that fractions here are not necessarily like decimal points in math. For instance, 1.0.90 is not necessarily equal to 1.0.9. Each fraction is a number by it self sometimes and not a decimal point where

1.9 = 1.90 as in real math world.



hope that helps. and if that doesn't help, see this

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Software_versioning

Answer 2

I think all the previous answers are good ones that pretty much tell you what they are.



Another reason for numbering that I'd add is that also affords the company's a way to make extra money.



In the case of the 7.9.2 the 2 probably would be free.. anything to the 9 may cost.. and a change to the 7 defin will.



Versioning really is up to the descreation of the company that owns the software. In your example, the company that owns the software has done so many upgrades that they can't raise the 9 without making the 7 an 8 which they would want to charge for. So they add an extra number, the 2, to let you get another fix. If this is a real program they have released an awful lot of fixes for their programming.

Answer 3

in you example v7.9.2



7 usualy will be a completly different system or a system with loads of major changes such as the different versions of word or excell



9 will be major fixes to the sytem and even introduction of new features



2 will be fixes to the new features and bug fixes



if you see something like 7.9.2a then the fix was probably realy tiny or hardly worth mentioning like a spelling fix or something out of place and required an update... depending on the programmer or the software house you might not even see lettering used

Answer 4

Version number indicate level of "improvements" of the previous version. Whole number represents significant/major changes. Incremental changes are represented by decimal numbers (1.1 or 1.2). Even smaller changes are represented by another decimal (1.1.1 or 1.1.2).



When purchasing new software try to avoid initial release with 1.0 because these usually still have bugs in them (case in point Vista initial release). Usually by the first service pack (sp) the companies have worked most of the bugs out.

Answer 5

i think it varies by the software and writers ... the 2 would be a minor change to an existing version ...the 9 would be a larger update to an existing version ... and going from V7 to V8 might be a completely rewritten software ...