The document proposes a formalized approach to software version numbering to address current problems. It analyzes why automatic document section numbering cannot be directly applied to software history. The proposed solution extends the section numbering approach formally, allowing version numbers to include arbitrary sets in addition to natural numbers. This addresses issues like inconsistent practices and ambiguous versioning that undermine automation and software quality.

1. Software version
numbering -DSL of
change
Sergii Shmarkatiuk, 1st year PhD student
x.x
x.KM.x
M.K
x
K
x.x.x
x.x.KN.x.x
N.M.K
x.M.x
x.M.KN.M.x N.x.K

2. Motivation

3. SCM practices
Version control
Build &
deployment
management
Continuous
integration
Release
management
Dependencies
management
Merge
management
Version numbering

4. Software development
activities
Software testing
Software
implementation
Project
management
Process
management
Software
support &
maintenance
Version numbering

5. Version numbers are everywhere!

6. Versions of dependent
modules

7. Why do we need version
numbers?
• Label unique states of software
applications for future reference
• Introduce continuity for history of
software changes
• Track progress of software development
• Establish dependencies between
modules, libraries, applications, APIs, etc

8. Problem: version numbering is
broken
• Ambiguous. Same version number often
used to refer to different entities (e.g.
builds and branches)
• Unpredictable/inconsistent: 1.0 -> 1.1 -
> 1.2 -> 2.0 -> 2.1 -> 3.1
• Not formalized
• Cannot be used to serve its purpose
(reliable reference, continuity, tracking
progress, establishing dependencies)

9. Problem: version numbering is
broken
Inconsistent version numbering practices:
• Undermine possibilities of development
process automation
• Increase need of communication
• Become one of the causes of poor software
quality
• Cause many problems related to software
maintenance and support

10. Problem: version numbering is
broken

11. Root cause of the problem
Version numbering is falsely associated
with sections numbering and plain tree
structure

12. Automatic document sections
numbering
1. Consistent
2. Incremental
3. Formalized
4. Automated
5. Is not ambiguous. Two different sections cannot have the
same section number
6. Section numbers can be ordered:
1.2.1 < 1.2.2 < 1.2.3
2.1 < 2.2 < 2.3
1.1 < 4.2 < 5
7. Section numbers unambiguously indicate parent and child
sections (subsets):
1.1.1 ⊂ 1.1 ⊂ 1 1.1.1 ⊂ 1
1.2.1 ⊂ 1.2 ⊂ 1 1.2.1 ⊂ 1
1.2.2 ⊂ 1.2 ⊂ 1 1.2.2 ⊂ 1
1.2.3 ⊂ 1.2 ⊂ 1 1.2.3 ⊂ 1

13. Automatic document sections
numbering
Can be reused to number nodes of any
tree

14. Automatic document sections
numbering cannot be applied to
software history
1.0.0 1.0.1 1.0.2
1.0
Δ1 Δ2 Δ3
1.0.0 ⊃ 1.0.1 ⊃ 1.0.2 ?
Δ1 Δ1 + Δ2 Δ1 + Δ2 + Δ3

15. 1.0.0 1.0.1 1.0.2
1.0
Δ1 Δ2 Δ3
1.0.0 ⊅ 1.0.1 ⊅ 1.0.2 !
Δ1 Δ1 -Δ + Δ2 Δ1 -Δ + Δ2 -Δ + Δ3
-Δ -Δ
1.0.0 ⊅ 1.0!
Automatic document sections
numbering cannot be applied to
software history

16. It is possible to come up with two
different entities with the same number:
Automatic document sections
numbering cannot be applied to
software history
1.1 1.1.1
1.2 1.2.1 1.2.2 1.2.3
?
1.2.1.1 1.2.1.2

17. It is possible to come up with two
different entities with the same number:
Automatic document sections
numbering cannot be applied to
software history
1.1 1.1.1
1.2 1.2.1 1.2.2 1.2.3
1.2.2
1.2.1.1 1.2.1.2

18. It is possible to come up with two
different entities with the same number:
Automatic document sections
numbering cannot be applied to
software history
1.1 1.1.1
1.2 1.2.1 1.2.2 1.2.3
1.2.3
1.2.1.1 1.2.1.2

19. It is possible to come up with two
different entities with the same number:
Automatic document sections
numbering cannot be applied to
software history
1.1 1.1.1
1.2 1.2.1 1.2.2 1.2.3
1.2.1.1
1.2.1.1 1.2.1.2

20. It is possible to come up with two
different entities with the same number:
Automatic document sections
numbering cannot be applied to
software history
1.1 1.1.1
1.2 1.2.1 1.2.2 1.2.3
1.2.1.2
1.2.1.1 1.2.1.2

21. It is possible to come up with two
different entities with the same number:
Automatic document sections
numbering cannot be applied to
software history
1.1 1.1.1
1.2 1.2.1 1.2.2 1.2.3
1.2.4
1.2.1.1 1.2.1.2

22. It is possible to come up with two
different entities with the same number:
Automatic document sections
numbering cannot be applied to
software history
1.1 1.1.1
1.2 1.2.1 1.2.2 1.2.3
1.2.1.3
1.2.1.1 1.2.1.2

23. There are other problems …
1.0 1.1 1.2
1.0

24. There are other problems …
variation
variant
#1 #2 #3 #N…
version Maturity
Platform
OS
Localizatio
n
Build type
…

25. There are other problems …
HTC_Touch_Diamond2_WM6.5_RUU_Topaz_S_HT
C_RUS_2.16.411.2_Radio_Sign_Topaz_61.44
tc.25.32_4.49.25.17_Ship.exe
Real world example:

26. There are other problems …
HTC_Touch_Diamond2_WM6.5_RUU_Topaz_S_HT
C_RUS_2.16.411.2_Radio_Sign_Topaz_61.44
tc.25.32_4.49.25.17_Ship.exe
Real world example:
Where is version?

27. There are other problems …
HTC_Touch_Diamond2_WM6.5_RUU_Topaz_S_HT
C_RUS_2.16.411.2_Radio_Sign_Topaz_61.44
tc.25.32_4.49.25.17_Ship.exe
Real world example:
Where is version?

28. There are other problems …
HTC_Touch_Diamond2_WM6.5_RUU_Topaz_S_HT
C_RUS_2.16.411.2_Radio_Sign_Topaz_61.44
tc.25.32_4.49.25.17_Ship.exe
Real world example:
Where is version?

29. There are other problems …
HTC_Touch_Diamond2_WM6.5_RUU_Topaz_S_HT
C_RUS_2.16.411.2_Radio_Sign_Topaz_61.44
tc.25.32_4.49.25.17_Ship.exe
Real world example:
Where is version?

30. There are other problems …
HTC_Touch_Diamond2_WM6.5_RUU_Topaz_S_HT
C_RUS_2.16.411.2_Radio_Sign_Topaz_61.44
tc.25.32_4.49.25.17_Ship.exe
Real world example:
Where is version?

34. Current version numbering
practices
Marketing names: Leopard, Vista, Kepler
Dates: 98, 2000, 2013, 2015, 20140312
Revisions: 12345, 546894, 2131
Hashes: d5f954bef01d228b79ce35f2f1830aa7c7315d23
“Section numbering”: 1.0, 1.0.0, 5.1.6, 2.3.89.21
…
[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Software_versioning]
OR something else…

35. Suggested solution
1. Take “section numbering”
approach
2. Formalize it
3. Show that it is possible to
perform basic operations
using suggested
formalization
4. Extend formalization to
solve problems of software
version numbering
5. Provide mapping from “old
style” to “new style”
approach

36. Elements of
formal definition
for sections
numbering

37. Google docs demo

38. Formalization of “sections
numbering” approach
Nat
o 0, 1, 2, …
_._ ⊆ Nat × Nat × … × Nat
o 0.1, 1.4, 45.23
o 1.0.0, 45.2.0, 34.89.9
o 3.5.20.11, 2.4.99.85.34.2
…
Num = N1.N2. … .Nk
_<_ ⊆ Num × Num
o 0 < 1, 2 < 9, 3 < 90
o 1.1 < 1.2, 1.3 < 1.5, 4.1 < 6.8
o 2.1.1 < 4.69.78.2 , 2 < 3.8.2.3
…
Section numbering

39. Formalization of “sections
numbering” approach
next : Num -> Nat-> Num
o next 1 {1} -> 2
o next 1.0 1 -> 2.0
o next 1.0 2 -> 1.1
o next 3.4.5.6 3 -> 3.4.6.6
…
NumTree : NumTree (Num NumTree)
nTree = NumTree
nTree =>
o 1
 1.1
1.1.1
 1.2
1.2.1
1.2.2
1.2.3
Section numbering

40. Formalization of “sections
numbering” approach
appendNext : NumTree -> Nat -> NumTree
appendNext nTree 1 =>
o 1
 1.1
1.1.1
 1.2
1.2.1
1.2.2
1.2.3
o 2
appendNext nTree 2 =>
o 1
 1.1
1.1.1
 1.2
1.2.1
1.2.2
1.2.3
 1.3
Section numbering

41. Formalization of “sections
numbering” approach
Section numbering
appendNext nTree 3 =>
o 1
 1.1
1.1.1
 1.2
1.2.1
1.2.2
1.2.3
1.2.4

42. Elements of
formal definition
for version
numbering

43. Extension of “sections numbering”
approach
Nat
o 0, 1, 2, …
_._ ⊆ Nat × Nat × … × Nat
o 0.1, 1.4, 45.23
o 1.0.0, 45.2.0, 34.89.9
o 3.5.20.11, 2.4.99.85.34.2
…
Num = N1.N2. … .Nk
_<_ ⊆ Num × Num
o 0 < 1, 2 < 9, 3 < 90
o 1.1 < 1.2, 1.3 < 1.5, 4.1 < 6.8
o 2.1.1 < 4.69.78.2 , 2 < 3.8.2.3
…
Section numbering
Nat
o 0, 1, 2, …
X : Set
VC ::= Nat
| X
_._ ⊆ VC × VC × … × VC
o 0.1, 1.4, 45.23
o 1.0.0, 45.2.0, 34.89.9
o 3.5.20.11, 2.4.99.85.34.2,
o X , X.X , X.X.X , X.X.X.X , X. … .X
o X.1, X.2, X.3, X.4, … X.n
o X.X.2, X.5.X, 6.X.X, 6.5.X, X.23.10
Num = N1.N2. … .Nk
_<_ ⊆ Num × Num
o 0 < 1, 2 < 9, 3 < 90
o 1.1 < 1.2, 1.3 < 1.5, 4.1 < 6.8
o 2.1.1 < 4.69.78.2 , 2 < 3.8.2.3
o X.0 < X.1
o 1.X.14 < 1.X.25
o 2.3.X < 3.8.X
o X < 0
o 1.X.X < 1.0.X
Version numbering

44. Extension of “sections numbering”
approach
next : Num -> Num -> Num
o next 1 {1} -> 2
o next 1.0 1 -> 2.0
o next 1.0 2 -> 1.1
o next 3.4.5.6 3 -> 3.4.6.6
…
NumTree : NumTree (Num NumTree)
nTree = NumTree
nTree =>
o 1
 1.1
1.1.1
 1.2
1.2.1
1.2.2
1.2.3
next : Num -> Num
o next 1 -> 2
o next 1.0 -> 1.1
o next 3.4.5.6 -> 3.4.5.7
o next 1.X -> 2.X
o next 3.X.X -> 4.X.X
o next X.6 -> X.7
o next 1.0.X -> 1.1.X
o next 1.X.13 -> 1.X.14
…
NumTree : NumTree (Num NumTree)
nTree = NumTree
nTree =>
o X.X.X
 1.X.X
1.0.X
1.1.X
o 1.1.0
o 1.1.1
1.2.X
o 1.2.0
o 1.2.1
o 1.2.2
o 1.2.3
Section numbering Version numbering

45. Extension of “sections numbering”
approach
appendNext : NumTree -> Nat -> NumTree
appendNext vTree 1 =>
o 1
 1.1
1.1.1
 1.2
1.2.1
1.2.2
1.2.3
o 2
appendNext vTree 2 =>
o 1
 1.1
1.1.1
 1.2
1.2.1
1.2.2
1.2.3
 1.3
Section numbering
appendNext : NumTree -> Nat -> NumTree
appendNext nTree 1 =>
o X.X.X
 1.X.X
1.0.X
1.1.X
o 1.1.0
o 1.1.1
1.2.X
o 1.2.0
o 1.2.1
o 1.2.2
o 1.2.3
 2.X.X
appendNext nTree 2 =>
o X.X.X
 1.X.X
1.0.X
1.1.X
o 1.1.0
o 1.1.1
1.2.X
o 1.2.0
o 1.2.1
o 1.2.2
o 1.2.3
1.3.X
Version numbering

46. Extension of “sections numbering”
approach
Section numbering
appendNext nTree 3 =>
o 1
 1.1
1.1.1
 1.2
1.2.1
1.2.2
1.2.3
1.2.4
appendNext nTree 3 =>
o X.X.X
 1.X.X
1.0.X
1.1.X
o 1.1.0
o 1.1.1
1.2.X
o 1.2.0
o 1.2.1
o 1.2.2
o 1.2.3
o 1.2.4
Version numbering

47. Extension of “sections numbering”
approach
Version numbering
_↓_
o X ↓ 1, X ↓ 2, X ↓ 3, … X ↓ k
o X.X ↓ X.1 , X.X ↓ X.2 , … , X.X ↓ X.k
o X.X ↓ 0.X , X.X ↓ 1.X , X.X ↓ 2.X , … , X.X ↓ m.X
o 1.X ↓ 1.0 , 1.X ↓ 1.1 , 1.X ↓ 1.2 , … , 1.X ↓ 1.k
o X.X.X ↓ 1.X.X , X.X.X ↓ 2.X.X, … , X.X.X ↓ n.X.X
o 1.X.X ↓ 1.0.X , 1.X.X ↓ 1.1.X, … , 1.X.X ↓ 1.m.X
o 1.X.X ↓ 1.X.0 , 1.X.X ↓ 1.X.1, … , 1.X.X ↓ 1.X.k
o 1.0.X ↓ 1.0.0 , 1.0.X ↓ 1.0.1, … , 1.0.X ↓ 1.0.k
o X.X.X ↓ X.X.X , X.X ↓ X.X , X ↓ X
…
_==_
o X.6.8 == 6.8
o X.1 == 1
o X.X.1 == 1
o X.X.k == k
o X.2.6 == 2.6
o X.1.X == 1.X
o X.X.X = X
o X. … .X = X
…
Copy
Equivalence

48. Visual
representation of
versions
numbering

49. Extension of “sections numbering”
approach: visual representation
Version numbering
_↓_
o X ↓ 1, X ↓ 2, X ↓ 3, … X ↓ k
o X.X ↓ X.1 , X.X ↓ X.2 , … , X.X ↓ X.k
o X.X ↓ 0.X , X.X ↓ 1.X , X.X ↓ 2.X , … , X.X ↓ m.X
o 1.X ↓ 1.0 , 1.X ↓ 1.1 , 1.X ↓ 1.2 , … , 1.X ↓ 1.k
o X.X.X ↓ 1.X.X , X.X.X ↓ 2.X.X, … , X.X.X ↓ n.X.X
o 1.X.X ↓ 1.0.X , 1.X.X ↓ 1.1.X, … , 1.X.X ↓ 1.m.X
o 1.X.X ↓ 1.X.0 , 1.X.X ↓ 1.X.1, … , 1.X.X ↓ 1.X.k
o 1.0.X ↓ 1.0.0 , 1.0.X ↓ 1.0.1, … , 1.0.X ↓ 1.0.k
o X.X.X ↓ X.X.X , X.X ↓ X.X , X ↓ X
…
_==_
o X.6.8 == 6.8
o X.1 == 1
o X.X.1 == 1
o X.X.k == k
o X.2.6 == 2.6
o X.1.X == 1.X
o X.X.X = X
o X. … .X = X
…
1 2 3 k…
X

50. Extension of “sections numbering”
approach: visual representation
Version numbering
_↓_
o X ↓ 1, X ↓ 2, X ↓ 3, … X ↓ k
o X.X ↓ X.1 , X.X ↓ X.2 , … , X.X ↓ X.k
o X.X ↓ 1.X , X.X ↓ 2.X , … , X.X ↓ m.X
o 1.X ↓ 1.0 , 1.X ↓ 1.1 , 1.X ↓ 1.2 , … , 1.X ↓ 1.k
o X.X.X ↓ 1.X.X , X.X.X ↓ 2.X.X, … , X.X.X ↓ n.X.X
o 1.X.X ↓ 1.0.X , 1.X.X ↓ 1.1.X, … , 1.X.X ↓ 1.m.X
o 1.X.X ↓ 1.X.0 , 1.X.X ↓ 1.X.1, … , 1.X.X ↓ 1.X.k
o 1.0.X ↓ 1.0.0 , 1.0.X ↓ 1.0.1, … , 1.0.X ↓ 1.0.k
o X.X.X ↓ X.X.X , X.X ↓ X.X , X ↓ X
…
_==_
o X.6.8 == 6.8
o X.1 == 1
o X.X.1 == 1
o X.X.k == k
o X.2.6 == 2.6
o X.1.X == 1.X
o X.X.X = X
o X. … .X = X
…
1 2 3 k…
X
X.X
/1.X
1.0 1.1 1.2
X.1 X.2 X.3 X.k…
1.k…
…
/2.X /m.X

51. Extension of “sections numbering”
approach: visual representation
Version numbering
_↓_
o X ↓ 1, X ↓ 2, X ↓ 3, … X ↓ k
o X.X ↓ X.1 , X.X ↓ X.2 , … , X.X ↓ X.k
o X.X ↓ 1.X , X.X ↓ 2.X , … , X.X ↓ m.X
o 1.X ↓ 1.0 , 1.X ↓ 1.1 , 1.X ↓ 1.2 , … , 1.X ↓ 1.k
o X.X.X ↓ 1.X.X , X.X.X ↓ 2.X.X, … , X.X.X ↓ n.X.X
o 1.X.X ↓ 1.0.X , 1.X.X ↓ 1.1.X, … , 1.X.X ↓ 1.m.X
o 1.X.X ↓ 1.X.0 , 1.X.X ↓ 1.X.1, … , 1.X.X ↓ 1.X.k
o 1.0.X ↓ 1.0.0 , 1.0.X ↓ 1.0.1, … , 1.0.X ↓ 1.0.k
o X.X.X ↓ X.X.X , X.X ↓ X.X , X ↓ X
…
_==_
o X.6.8 == 6.8
o X.1 == 1
o X.X.1 == 1
o X.X.k == k
o X.2.6 == 2.6
o X.1.X == 1.X
o X.X.X = X
o X. … .X = X
…
1 2 3 k…
X
X.X
/1.X
1.0 1.1 1.2
X.1 X.2 X.3 X.k…
1.k…
…
/2.X /m.X

52. Extension of “sections numbering”
approach: visual representation
Version numbering
_↓_
o X ↓ 1, X ↓ 2, X ↓ 3, … X ↓ k
o X.X ↓ X.1 , X.X ↓ X.2 , … , X.X ↓ X.k
o X.X ↓ 1.X , X.X ↓ 2.X , … , X.X ↓ m.X
o 1.X ↓ 1.0 , 1.X ↓ 1.1 , 1.X ↓ 1.2 , … , 1.X ↓ 1.k
o X.X.X ↓ 1.X.X , X.X.X ↓ 2.X.X, … , X.X.X ↓ n.X.X
o 1.X.X ↓ 1.0.X , 1.X.X ↓ 1.1.X, … , 1.X.X ↓ 1.m.X
o 1.X.X ↓ 1.X.0 , 1.X.X ↓ 1.X.1, … , 1.X.X ↓ 1.X.k
o 1.0.X ↓ 1.0.0 , 1.0.X ↓ 1.0.1, … , 1.0.X ↓ 1.0.k
o X.X.X ↓ X.X.X , X.X ↓ X.X , X ↓ X
…
_==_
o X.6.8 == 6.8
o X.1 == 1
o X.X.1 == 1
o X.X.k == k
o X.2.6 == 2.6
o X.1.X == 1.X
o X.X.X = X
o X. … .X = X
…
1 2 3 k…
X
X.X
/1.X
1.0 1.1 1.2
X.1 X.2 X.3 X.k…
1.k…
…
/2.X /m.X

53. Extension of “sections numbering”
approach: visual representation
Version numbering
_↓_
o X ↓ 1, X ↓ 2, X ↓ 3, … X ↓ k
o X.X ↓ X.1 , X.X ↓ X.2 , … , X.X ↓ X.k
o X.X ↓ 1.X , X.X ↓ 2.X , … , X.X ↓ m.X
o 1.X ↓ 1.0 , 1.X ↓ 1.1 , 1.X ↓ 1.2 , … , 1.X ↓ 1.k
o X.X.X ↓ 1.X.X , X.X.X ↓ 2.X.X, … , X.X.X ↓ n.X.X
o 1.X.X ↓ 1.0.X , 1.X.X ↓ 1.1.X, … , 1.X.X ↓ 1.m.X
o 1.X.X ↓ 1.X.0 , 1.X.X ↓ 1.X.1, … , 1.X.X ↓ 1.X.k
o 1.0.X ↓ 1.0.0 , 1.0.X ↓ 1.0.1, … , 1.0.X ↓ 1.0.k
o X.X.X ↓ X.X.X , X.X ↓ X.X , X ↓ X
…
_==_
o X.6.8 == 6.8
o X.1 == 1
o X.X.1 == 1
o X.X.k == k
o X.2.6 == 2.6
o X.1.X == 1.X
o X.X.X = X
o X. … .X = X
…
1 2 3 k…
X
X.X
/1.X
1.0 1.1 1.2
X.1 X.2 X.3 X.k…
1.k…
…
/2.X /m.X

54. Extension of “sections numbering”
approach: visual representation
1.x.x
1.0.x
x.x.x
x.x.1 x.x.2 x.x.3
1.x.0 1.x.1 1.x.k
1.0.0 1.0.1 1.0.k…
…
n.x.x
1.1.x
1.m.x
n.x.0 n.x.1 n.x.k…
…
…
2.x.x
x.x.4 x.x.5 x.x.6 x.x.k…
_↓_
o X ↓ 0, X ↓ 1, X ↓ 2, … X ↓ k
o X.X ↓ X.1 , X.X ↓ X.2 , … , X.X ↓ X.k
o X.X ↓ 1.X , X.X ↓ 2.X , … , X.X ↓ m.X
o 1.X ↓ 1.0 , 1.X ↓ 1.1 , 1.X ↓ 1.2 , … , 1.X ↓ 1.k
o X.X.X ↓ 1.X.X , X.X.X ↓ 2.X.X, … , X.X.X ↓ n.X.X
o 1.X.X ↓ 1.0.X , 1.X.X ↓ 1.1.X, … , 1.X.X ↓ 1.m.X
o 1.X.X ↓ 1.X.0 , 1.X.X ↓ 1.X.1, … , 1.X.X ↓ 1.X.k
o 1.0.X ↓ 1.0.0 , 1.0.X ↓ 1.0.1, … , 1.0.X ↓ 1.0.k
o X.X.X ↓ X.X.X , X.X ↓ X.X , X ↓ X
…

55. Extension of “sections numbering”
approach: visual representation
1.x.x
1.0.x
x.x.x
x.x.1 x.x.2 x.x.3
1.x.0 1.x.1 1.x.k
1.0.0 1.0.1 1.0.k…
…
n.x.x
1.1.x
1.m.x
n.x.0 n.x.1 n.x.k…
…
…
2.x.x
x.x.4 x.x.5 x.x.6 x.x.k…
_↓_
o X ↓ 0, X ↓ 1, X ↓ 2, … X ↓ k
o X.X ↓ X.1 , X.X ↓ X.2 , … , X.X ↓ X.k
o X.X ↓ 1.X , X.X ↓ 2.X , … , X.X ↓ m.X
o 1.X ↓ 1.0 , 1.X ↓ 1.1 , 1.X ↓ 1.2 , … , 1.X ↓ 1.k
o X.X.X ↓ 1.X.X , X.X.X ↓ 2.X.X, … , X.X.X ↓ n.X.X
o 1.X.X ↓ 1.0.X , 1.X.X ↓ 1.1.X, … , 1.X.X ↓ 1.m.X
o 1.X.X ↓ 1.X.0 , 1.X.X ↓ 1.X.1, … , 1.X.X ↓ 1.X.k
o 1.0.X ↓ 1.0.0 , 1.0.X ↓ 1.0.1, … , 1.0.X ↓ 1.0.k
o X.X.X ↓ X.X.X , X.X ↓ X.X , X ↓ X
…

56. Extension of “sections numbering”
approach: visual representation
1.x.x
1.0.x
x.x.x
x.x.1 x.x.2 x.x.3
1.x.0 1.x.1 1.x.k
1.0.0 1.0.1 1.0.k…
…
n.x.x
1.1.x
1.m.x
n.x.0 n.x.1 n.x.k…
…
…
2.x.x
x.x.4 x.x.5 x.x.6 x.x.k…
_↓_
o X ↓ 0, X ↓ 1, X ↓ 2, … X ↓ k
o X.X ↓ X.1 , X.X ↓ X.2 , … , X.X ↓ X.k
o X.X ↓ 1.X , X.X ↓ 2.X , … , X.X ↓ m.X
o 1.X ↓ 1.0 , 1.X ↓ 1.1 , 1.X ↓ 1.2 , … , 1.X ↓ 1.k
o X.X.X ↓ 1.X.X , X.X.X ↓ 2.X.X, … , X.X.X ↓ n.X.X
o 1.X.X ↓ 1.0.X , 1.X.X ↓ 1.1.X, … , 1.X.X ↓ 1.m.X
o 1.X.X ↓ 1.X.0 , 1.X.X ↓ 1.X.1, … , 1.X.X ↓ 1.X.k
o 1.0.X ↓ 1.0.0 , 1.0.X ↓ 1.0.1, … , 1.0.X ↓ 1.0.k
o X.X.X ↓ X.X.X , X.X ↓ X.X , X ↓ X
…

57. Extension of “sections numbering”
approach: visual representation
1.x.x
1.0.x
x.x.x
x.x.1 x.x.2 x.x.3
1.x.0 1.x.1 1.x.k
1.0.0 1.0.1 1.0.k…
…
n.x.x
1.1.x
1.m.x
n.x.0 n.x.1 n.x.k…
…
…
2.x.x
x.x.4 x.x.5 x.x.6 x.x.k…
_↓_
o X ↓ 0, X ↓ 1, X ↓ 2, … X ↓ k
o X.X ↓ X.1 , X.X ↓ X.2 , … , X.X ↓ X.k
o X.X ↓ 1.X , X.X ↓ 2.X , … , X.X ↓ m.X
o 1.X ↓ 1.0 , 1.X ↓ 1.1 , 1.X ↓ 1.2 , … , 1.X ↓ 1.k
o X.X.X ↓ 1.X.X , X.X.X ↓ 2.X.X, … , X.X.X ↓ n.X.X
o 1.X.X ↓ 1.0.X , 1.X.X ↓ 1.1.X, … , 1.X.X ↓ 1.m.X
o 1.X.X ↓ 1.X.0 , 1.X.X ↓ 1.X.1, … , 1.X.X ↓ 1.X.k
o 1.0.X ↓ 1.0.0 , 1.0.X ↓ 1.0.1, … , 1.0.X ↓ 1.0.k
o X.X.X ↓ X.X.X , X.X ↓ X.X , X ↓ X
…

58. Extension of “sections numbering”
approach: visual representation
1.x.x
1.0.x
x.x.x
x.x.1 x.x.2 x.x.3
1.x.0 1.x.1 1.x.k
1.0.0 1.0.1 1.0.k…
…
n.x.x
1.1.x
1.m.x
n.x.0 n.x.1 n.x.k…
…
…
2.x.x
x.x.4 x.x.5 x.x.6 x.x.k…
_↓_
o X ↓ 0, X ↓ 1, X ↓ 2, … X ↓ k
o X.X ↓ X.1 , X.X ↓ X.2 , … , X.X ↓ X.k
o X.X ↓ 1.X , X.X ↓ 2.X , … , X.X ↓ m.X
o 1.X ↓ 1.0 , 1.X ↓ 1.1 , 1.X ↓ 1.2 , … , 1.X ↓ 1.k
o X.X.X ↓ 1.X.X , X.X.X ↓ 2.X.X, … , X.X.X ↓ n.X.X
o 1.X.X ↓ 1.0.X , 1.X.X ↓ 1.1.X, … , 1.X.X ↓ 1.m.X
o 1.X.X ↓ 1.X.0 , 1.X.X ↓ 1.X.1, … , 1.X.X ↓ 1.X.k
o 1.0.X ↓ 1.0.0 , 1.0.X ↓ 1.0.1, … , 1.0.X ↓ 1.0.k
o X.X.X ↓ X.X.X , X.X ↓ X.X , X ↓ X
…

59. Extension of “sections numbering”
approach: visual representation
1.x.x
1.0.x
x.x.x
x.x.1 x.x.2 x.x.3
1.x.0 1.x.1 1.x.k
1.0.0 1.0.1 1.0.k…
…
n.x.x
1.1.x
1.m.x
n.x.0 n.x.1 n.x.k…
…
…
2.x.x
x.x.4 x.x.5 x.x.6 x.x.k…
1 2 k…
x
3 4 5 6
== == == == == == ==
_==_
o X.6.8 == 6.8
o X.1 == 1
o X.X.1 == 1
o X.X.k == k
o X.2.6 == 2.6
o X.1.X == 1.X
o X.X.X = X
o X. … .X = X

60. Extension of “sections numbering”
approach: visual representation
x.x.x
x.x.x
x.x.x
x.x.x
x.x.x
x.x.x
…
x.x.x
_↓_
o X ↓ 0, X ↓ 1, X ↓ 2, … X ↓ k
o X.X ↓ X.1 , X.X ↓ X.2 , … , X.X ↓ X.k
o X.X ↓ 1.X , X.X ↓ 2.X , … , X.X ↓ m.X
o 1.X ↓ 1.0 , 1.X ↓ 1.1 , 1.X ↓ 1.2 , … , 1.X ↓ 1.k
o X.X.X ↓ 1.X.X , X.X.X ↓ 2.X.X, … , X.X.X ↓ n.X.X
o 1.X.X ↓ 1.0.X , 1.X.X ↓ 1.1.X, … , 1.X.X ↓ 1.m.X
o 1.X.X ↓ 1.X.0 , 1.X.X ↓ 1.X.1, … , 1.X.X ↓ 1.X.k
o 1.0.X ↓ 1.0.0 , 1.0.X ↓ 1.0.1, … , 1.0.X ↓ 1.0.k
o X.X.X ↓ X.X.X , X.X ↓ X.X , X ↓ X
…
x.x.x
x.x.x
x.x.x
…
_==_
o X.6.8 == 6.8
o X.1 == 1
o X.X.1 == 1
o X.X.k == k
o X.2.6 == 2.6
o X.1.X == 1.X
o X.X.X = X
o X. … .X = X

61. Extension of “sections numbering”
approach: visual representation
x.x
x.x
x.x
x.x
x.x
x.x
…
x.x
_↓_
o X ↓ 0, X ↓ 1, X ↓ 2, … X ↓ k
o X.X ↓ X.1 , X.X ↓ X.2 , … , X.X ↓ X.k
o X.X ↓ 1.X , X.X ↓ 2.X , … , X.X ↓ m.X
o 1.X ↓ 1.0 , 1.X ↓ 1.1 , 1.X ↓ 1.2 , … , 1.X ↓ 1.k
o X.X.X ↓ 1.X.X , X.X.X ↓ 2.X.X, … , X.X.X ↓ n.X.X
o 1.X.X ↓ 1.0.X , 1.X.X ↓ 1.1.X, … , 1.X.X ↓ 1.m.X
o 1.X.X ↓ 1.X.0 , 1.X.X ↓ 1.X.1, … , 1.X.X ↓ 1.X.k
o 1.0.X ↓ 1.0.0 , 1.0.X ↓ 1.0.1, … , 1.0.X ↓ 1.0.k
o X.X.X ↓ X.X.X , X.X ↓ X.X , X ↓ X
…
x.x
x.x
x.x
…
_==_
o X.6.8 == 6.8
o X.1 == 1
o X.X.1 == 1
o X.X.k == k
o X.2.6 == 2.6
o X.1.X == 1.X
o X.X.X = X
o X. … .X = X

62. Extension of “sections numbering”
approach: visual representation
x
x
x
x
x
x
…
x
_↓_
o X ↓ 0, X ↓ 1, X ↓ 2, … X ↓ k
o X.X ↓ X.1 , X.X ↓ X.2 , … , X.X ↓ X.k
o X.X ↓ 1.X , X.X ↓ 2.X , … , X.X ↓ m.X
o 1.X ↓ 1.0 , 1.X ↓ 1.1 , 1.X ↓ 1.2 , … , 1.X ↓ 1.k
o X.X.X ↓ 1.X.X , X.X.X ↓ 2.X.X, … , X.X.X ↓ n.X.X
o 1.X.X ↓ 1.0.X , 1.X.X ↓ 1.1.X, … , 1.X.X ↓ 1.m.X
o 1.X.X ↓ 1.X.0 , 1.X.X ↓ 1.X.1, … , 1.X.X ↓ 1.X.k
o 1.0.X ↓ 1.0.0 , 1.0.X ↓ 1.0.1, … , 1.0.X ↓ 1.0.k
o X.X.X ↓ X.X.X , X.X ↓ X.X , X ↓ X
…
x
x
x
…
_==_
o X.6.8 == 6.8
o X.1 == 1
o X.X.1 == 1
o X.X.k == k
o X.2.6 == 2.6
o X.1.X == 1.X
o X.X.X = X
o X. … .X = X

63. Mapping of version
numbers

64. Mapping from “old style” to “new
style”
Approach: decomposition into branches and
tags

65. Mapping from “old style” to “new
style”
x.x.x
1.x.x
1.0.x
x.x.1 x.x.2 x.x.3
1.x.0 1.x.1
1.0.0 1.0.1
x.x.4 x.x.5 x.x.6
1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 2.1 2.2
1.3.1.1 1.3.1.2
1.3.2.1 1.3.2.2
1.0.x
1.x.x
x.x.x
1.0.x
1.x.x
x.x.x

66. 1.0.x
1.x.x
x.1.x x.2.x
x.x.x
Mapping from “old style” to “new
style”
1.0.x
1.x.x
x.1.x x.2.x
x.x.x
x.x.x
1.x.x
1.0.x
x.2.1 x.2.2x.1.1
1.0.0 1.0.1
x.1.2 x.1.3 x.1.4
2.1 2.21.1 1.2 1.3 1.4
1.3.2.1 1.3.2.2
x.1.x x.2.x
1.x.0 1.x.1
1.3.1.1 1.3.1.2

67. 1.0.x
1.x.x
x.1.x x.2.x
x.x.x
Mapping from “old style” to “new
style”
1.0.x
1.x.x
x.1.x x.2.x
x.x.x
1.x.x
1.0.x
x.x.x
x.2.1 x.2.2x.1.1
1.x.0 1.x.1
1.0.0
x.1.2 x.1.3 x.1.4
2.1 2.21.1 1.2 1.3 1.4
1.3.1.1 1.3.2.1
1.3.1.2
x.1.x x.2.x
1.x.2
1.3.2.2

68. 1.0.x
1.1.x
2.x.x
x.x.x
1.x.x
Mapping from “old style” to “new
style”
1.0.x
1.1.x
x.x.x
2.x.1 2.x.21.x.1
1.0.0
1.x.2 1.x.3 1.x.4
2.1 2.21.1 1.2 1.3 1.4
1.3.1.1
1.x.x 2.x.x
1.0.1
1.3.1.2
1.1.0
1.3.2.1
1.1.1
1.3.2.2
1.0.x
1.1.x
2.x.x
x.x.x
1.x.x

69. 2.x.x
x.x.x
1.x.x
1.1.x
1.0.x
Mapping from “old style” to “new
style”
1.0.x
1.1.x
2.x.x
x.x.x
1.x.x
1.0.x
1.1.x
x.x.x
2.x.1 2.x.21.x.1
1.0.0
1.x.2 1.x.3 1.x.4
2.1 2.21.1 1.2 1.3 1.4
1.3.2.1
1.x.x 2.x.x
1.0.1
1.3.2.2
1.1.0
1.3.1.1
1.1.1
1.3.1.2

70. Mapping from “old style” to “new
style”
1.x.x
x.x.x
1.1.x
1.0.x
1.0.x
1.1.x
1.x.x
x.x.x
1.0.x
1.1.x
x.x.x
2.x.1 2.x.21.x.1
1.0.0
1.x.2 1.x.3 1.x.4
2.1 2.21.1 1.2 1.3 1.4
1.3.2.1
2.x.x
1.x.x
1.0.1
1.3.2.2
1.1.0
1.3.1.1
1.1.1
1.3.1.2
1.x.x

71. x.x.x
x.x.x
x.x.x
x.x.x
Mapping from “old style” to “new
style”
x.x.x
x.x.x
x.x.x
x.x.x
x.x.x
x.x.x
x.x.x
x.x.8 x.x.10
x.x.1
x.x.7
x.x.2 x.x.3 x.x.5
2.1 2.2
1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4
1.3.2.1
x.x.x
x.x.9
1.3.2.2
x.x.4
1.3.1.1
x.x.6
1.3.1.2

72. x.x
x.x
x.x
x.x
Mapping from “old style” to “new
style”
x.x
x.x
x.x
x.x
x.x
x.x
x.x
x.8 x.10
x.1
x.7
x.2 x.3 x.5
2.1 2.2
1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4
1.3.2.1
x.x
x.9
1.3.2.2
x.4
1.3.1.1
x.6
1.3.1.2

73. x
x
x
x
Revisions: 1, 2, 3, … , 2131, …
Mapping from “old style” to “new
style”
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
8 10
1
7
2 3 5
2.1 2.2
1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4
1.3.2.1
x
9
1.3.2.2
4
1.3.1.1
6
1.3.1.2

74. Semantics of version
numbering
1.0.x
1.x.x
x.1.x x.2.x
x.x.x
1.0.x
1.x.x
x.x.x
1.0.x
1.1.x
2.x.x
x.x.x
1.x.x
1.0.x
1.1.x
1.x.x
x.x.x
x
x
x
x
There are many
different ways to
decompose the same
history of versions.
Which one should we
choose?
We need to learn
about semantics of

75. Semantics of
version
numbering

76. Semantics of “old” version
numbering
[major].[minor].[build]
1.2.3
ITERATIONS
ARCHITECTURE
CONCEPTS
PORTING
MARKETING
BUILD
PATCH
http://semver.org/

77. Semantics of “new” version
numbering
x.x.x
N.M.K
mutable
immutable
Creation of
immutable
artifact
compatible
incompatible
Definition of
compatibility
scope
all changes
Fixed set of
features
Feature freeze

78. Semantics of version numbers
x.x.x x.x.K
N.x.x
N.M.K
x.M.K
N.M.x
N.x.K
x.M.x
x.x.x
x.x.K
N.x.x
N.M.K
x.M.K
x.M.x
N.M.x
N.x.K
x.x.x
x.x.KN.x.x
N.M.K
x.M.x
x.M.KN.M.x N.x.K
≃ ≃isomorphic

79. x.x.x x.x.K
N.x.x
N.M.K
x.M.K
N.M.x
N.x.K
x.M.x
x.x.x
x.x.K
N.x.x
N.M.K
x.M.K
x.M.x
N.M.x
N.x.K
Any
changes
Features
subset M
Universall
y
compatible
Subset N
of
compatible
features
Semantics of version numbers
Mutable
(branch)
Immutable
(tag)
Universall
y
compatible
Subset N
of
compatible
features

80. x.x.x x.x.K
N.x.x
N.M.K
x.M.K
N.M.x
N.x.K
x.M.x
x.x.x
x.x.K
N.x.x
N.M.K
x.M.K
x.M.x
N.M.x
N.x.K
Any
changes
Features
subset M
Universall
y
compatible
Subset N
of
compatible
features
Semantics of version numbers
Mutable
(branch)
Immutable
(tag)
Universall
y
compatible
Subset N
of
compatible
features

81. Mapping from “old style” to “new
style”
1.0.x
1.x.x
x.1.x x.2.x
x.x.x
1.0.x
1.x.x
x.x.x
1.0.x
1.1.x
2.x.x
x.x.x
1.x.x
1.0.x
1.1.x
1.x.x
x.x.x
x
x
x
x
?
?
?
?
?

82. Mapping from “old style” to “new
style”
• Way of versions history decomposition depends on
WHY certain versions were created:
• Purpose of tagging, branching, etc
• Actual content of tag, branch, etc
• It is difficult to refactor existing history of versions
because of insufficient information about purpose and
content of certain artifacts.
• It is easier to follow rules of version numbering
semantics at early stages of software projects.
• It is even more easy to follow rules if there is a special
tool that helps with version numbering.

83. SCMFViz: version numbering
tool
http://scmfviz.altern.kiev.ua/

84. Why new
approach is better

85. How does “new approach” solve
problems?
1.2.1 < 1.2.2 <
1.2.3
2.1 < 2.2 < 2.3
1.1 < 4.2 < 5
x.x.1 < x.x.2 < x.x.3 < x.x.4 < x.x.5 <
x.x.6
x.1.1 < x.1.2 < x.1.3 < x.1.4 < x.2.1 <
x.2.2
1.x.1 < 1.x.2 < 1.x.3 < 1.x.4 < 2.x.1 <
2.x.2
1.x.0 < 1.x.1 < 1.x.2
1.0.0 < 1.0.1 < 1.1.0 < 1.1.1
It is possible to order version numbers (partially)

86. 1.1.1 ⊂ 1.1 ⊂ 1
1.2.1 ⊂ 1.2 ⊂ 1
1.2.2 ⊂ 1.2 ⊂ 1
1.2.3 ⊂ 1.2 ⊂ 1
⊂ ↓->
1.1.1 ⊂ 1
1.2.1 ⊂ 1
1.2.2 ⊂ 1
1.2.3 ⊂ 1
How does “new approach” solve
problems?
Concept of subset ⊂ is not applicable to
version numbers. “Copy” operation ↓ is used
instead.

87. X.X.X ↓ 1.X
X.X.X ↓ 2.X
…
X.X.X ↓ M.X
X.X.X ↓ X.X.1
X.X.X ↓ X.X.2
…
X.X.X ↓ X.X.K
X.X.X ↓ X.1
X.X.X ↓ X.2
…
X.X.X ↓ X.K
X.X.X ↓ 1
X.X.X ↓ 2
…
X.X.X ↓ 4
X.X.X ↓ 1.X.X
X.X.X ↓ 2.X.X
…
X.X.X ↓ N.X.X
X.X.X ↓ X.1.X
X.X.X ↓ X.2.X
…
X.X.X ↓ X.M.X
N.X.X ↓ N.1.X
N.X.X ↓ N.2.X
…
N.X.X ↓ N.M.X
N.X.X ↓ N.X.1
N.X.X ↓ N.X.2
…
N.X.X ↓ N.X.K
How does “new approach” solve
problems?
⊂ ↓->

88. Hierarchy of version numbers
x.x
x.KM.x
M.K
x
K
x.x.x
x.x.KN.x.x
N.M.K
x.M.x
x.M.KN.M.x N.x.K
X.X.X ↓ X.M.X
X.X.X ↓ N.X.X
X.X.X ↓ X.X.K
N.X.X ↓ N.M.X
N.X.X ↓ N.X.K
X.M.X ↓ X.M.K
N.M.X ↓ N.M.K
X.X ↓ M.X
X.X ↓ X.K
M.X ↓ M.K
M.X ↓ M.K
X ↓ K
It is possible to establish hierarchy of version
numbers using copy operation:

89. Versions and
Variations

90. Does version == variation
NO

91. Versions vs variations
Versions Variations
Provides Context
(branches) and
snapshots (tags)
Choice
Keeps track of Content Alternative
implementations
Takes into
account
Selected choices Potential choices
Version + choice configuration = variant

92. Version numbering for
variations
1.x.x
x64 en debu
g
TRUE
TRUE
TRUE TRUE
TRUE
TRUE TRUE
TRUE TRUE
TRUE TRUE TRUE
app
variations

93. 1.x.1
Version numbering for
variations
1.x.x
1.x.0
x64 en debu
g
TRUE
TRUE
TRUE TRUE
TRUE
TRUE TRUE
TRUE TRUE
TRUE TRUE TRUE
1.x.0
app
1.x.0
1.x.2
1.x.2
1.x.2
1.x.2
1.x.3
1.x.3
1.x.4
1.x.4
1.x.5
1.x.5
1.x.6
1.x.6
1.x.6
1.x.6
1.x.6
variations versions

94. 1.x.1
Version numbering for
variations
1.x.x
1.x.0
x64 en debu
g
TRUE
TRUE
TRUE TRUE
TRUE
TRUE TRUE
TRUE TRUE
TRUE TRUE TRUE
1.x.0
app
app_1.x.6
app_1.x.6_debug
app_1.x.3_en
app_1.x.6_en_debug
app_1.x.0_x64
app_1.x.6_x64_debug
app_1.x.5_en_debug
app_1.x.6_x64_en_debug1.x.0
1.x.2
1.x.2
1.x.2
1.x.2
1.x.3
1.x.3
1.x.4
1.x.4
1.x.5
1.x.5
1.x.6
1.x.6
1.x.6
1.x.6
1.x.6
variations versions variants

95. 1.x.1
Version numbering for
variations
1.x.x
1.x.0
x64 en debu
g
TRUE
TRUE
TRUE TRUE
TRUE
TRUE TRUE
TRUE TRUE
TRUE TRUE TRUE
1.x.0
app
app_1.x.6
app_1.x.6_debug
app_1.x.3_en
app_1.x.6_en_debug
app_1.x.0_x64
app_1.x.6_x64_debug
app_1.x.5_en_debug
app_1.x.6_x64_en_debug1.x.0
1.x.2
1.x.2
1.x.2
1.x.2
1.x.3
1.x.3
1.x.4
1.x.4
1.x.5
1.x.5
1.x.6
1.x.6
1.x.6
1.x.6
1.x.6

96. 1.x.1
Version numbering for
variations
1.x.x
1.x.0
x64 en debu
g
TRUE
TRUE
TRUE TRUE
TRUE
TRUE TRUE
TRUE TRUE
TRUE TRUE TRUE
1.x.0
app
app_1.x.6
app_1.x.6_debug
app_1.x.3_en
app_1.x.6_en_debug
app_1.x.0_x64
app_1.x.6_x64_debug
app_1.x.5_en_debug
app_1.x.6_x64_en_debug1.x.0
1.x.2
1.x.2
1.x.2
1.x.2
1.x.3
1.x.3
1.x.4
1.x.4
1.x.5
1.x.5
1.x.6
1.x.6
1.x.6
1.x.6
1.x.6

97. 1.x.1
Version numbering for
variations
1.x.x
1.x.0
x64 en debu
g
TRUE
TRUE
TRUE TRUE
TRUE
TRUE TRUE
TRUE TRUE
TRUE TRUE TRUE
1.x.0
app
app_1.x.6
app_1.x.6_debug
app_1.x.3_en
app_1.x.6_en_debug
app_1.x.0_x64
app_1.x.6_x64_debug
app_1.x.5_en_debug
app_1.x.6_x64_en_debug1.x.0
1.x.2
1.x.2
1.x.2
1.x.2
1.x.3
1.x.3
1.x.4
1.x.4
1.x.5
1.x.5
1.x.6
1.x.6
1.x.6
1.x.6
1.x.6

98. 1.x.1
Version numbering for
variations
1.x.0
x64 en debu
g
TRUE
TRUE
TRUE TRUE
TRUE
TRUE TRUE
TRUE TRUE
TRUE TRUE TRUE
1.x.0
app
app
app_debug
app_en
app_en_debug
app_x64
app_x64_debug
app_en_debug
app_x64_en_debug1.x.0
1.x.2
1.x.2
1.x.2
1.x.2
1.x.3
1.x.3
1.x.4
1.x.4
1.x.5
1.x.5
1.x.6
1.x.6
1.x.6
1.x.6
1.x.6
Keeping track
only of latest
version

99. 1.x.1
Version numbering for
variations
1.x.0
x64 en debu
g
TRUE
TRUE
TRUE TRUE
TRUE
TRUE TRUE
TRUE TRUE
TRUE TRUE TRUE
1.x.0
app
app
app_debug
app_en
app_en_debug
app_x64
app_x64_debug
app_en_debug
app_x64_en_debug1.x.0
1.x.2
1.x.2
1.x.2
1.x.2
1.x.3
1.x.3
1.x.4
1.x.4
1.x.5
1.x.5
1.x.6
1.x.6
1.x.6
1.x.6
1.x.6
1.x.3
1.x.5
Keeping track
only of latest
version

100. 1.x.1
Version numbering for
variations
1.x.0
x64 en debu
g
TRUE
TRUE
TRUE TRUE
TRUE
TRUE TRUE
TRUE TRUE
TRUE TRUE TRUE
1.x.0
app
app
app_debug
app_en
app_en_debug
app_x64
app_x64_debug
app_en_debug
app_x64_en_debug1.x.0
1.x.2
1.x.2
1.x.2
1.x.2
1.x.3
1.x.3
1.x.4
1.x.4
1.x.5
1.x.5
1.x.6
1.x.6
1.x.6
1.x.6
1.x.6
1.x.0
1.x.3
1.x.5
Keeping track
only of latest
version

101. Conclusion

102. Conclusion
• Version != variation
• Versions and variations are complementary and always go
side by side in software development
• Necessity of software configuration management practices
arises because of high variability of software
• Both formalized version numbering and variations can help
to understand nature of changes better
• If formalized, versions can provide context for variations
and choices of alternative implementations
• Proper version numbering must be introduced into software
projects as early as possible to avoid problems with version
numbering.
• Formalized version numbering and variations are stepping
stone for better software tools.