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What is Semantic Versioning? - Definition & Meaning

Learn what semantic versioning (semver) is, how MAJOR.MINOR.PATCH works, and why it is essential for APIs and packages.

Semantic versioning (semver) is a version number convention: MAJOR.MINOR.PATCH. MAJOR = breaking changes, MINOR = backwards-compatible features, PATCH = bugfixes. It communicates compatibility to users.

What is What is Semantic Versioning? - Definition & Meaning?

Semantic versioning (semver) is a version number convention: MAJOR.MINOR.PATCH. MAJOR = breaking changes, MINOR = backwards-compatible features, PATCH = bugfixes. It communicates compatibility to users.

How does What is Semantic Versioning? - Definition & Meaning work technically?

Spec: semver.org. npm, pip and most package managers follow semver. Caret (^) and tilde (~) define upgrade range. Pre-releases: 1.0.0-alpha.

How does MG Software apply What is Semantic Versioning? - Definition & Meaning in practice?

MG Software uses semver for all our libraries and APIs. We document breaking changes in release notes and follow semver strictly for backwards compatibility.

What are some examples of What is Semantic Versioning? - Definition & Meaning?

  • 1.2.3 -> 1.2.4: bugfix, safe upgrade.
  • 1.2.3 -> 2.0.0: breaking change, requires migration.

Related terms

apici cdtypescript

Further reading

Knowledge BaseWhat is an API? - Definition & MeaningWhat is a REST API? - Definition & MeaningChangesets vs Semantic Release: Which Should You Choose?pnpm vs npm: JavaScript Package Manager Comparison

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Frequently asked questions

On breaking changes: removal of APIs, change of behavior that breaks existing code.
^1.2.3 = all 1.x.x. ~1.2.3 = only 1.2.x. Caret is more common for dependencies.

When do you bump MAJOR?

On breaking changes: removal of APIs, change of behavior that breaks existing code.

What is caret vs tilde in package.json?

^1.2.3 = all 1.x.x. ~1.2.3 = only 1.2.x. Caret is more common for dependencies.

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