Say it like this
- We use semantic versioning for all our releases.
- This change requires a major version bump under semantic versioning.
- Follow semantic versioning to keep consumers of our API happy.
Use it at work
Releasing
- This is a breaking change, so it's a major version.
- Bug fix only, so bump the patch number.
Explaining
- We follow semantic versioning: major, minor, patch.
- Version 2.3.1 means major 2, minor 3, patch 1.
Code review
- This change is breaking. It should be 3.0, not 2.4.
- Please update the version with semver rules.
Don't say this
Semantic versioning has a strict format of three numbers only; additional numbers violate the specification.
Practice
Try it
4 quick exercises
1. Your library introduced a backwards-compatible feature. What version number should you use?
2. We must _______ to inform users about what changed in each release.
3. Which statement about semantic versioning is incorrect?
4. Rewrite this in natural tech English: 'Our version system uses numbers to show what kind of change happened, like if we added new features or broke things.'
Say it out loud
Phrase 1 of 3
"We use semantic versioning for all our releases."
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More about semantic versioning
Real examples(3)
- in a standup
"We fixed a critical bug, so we're releasing 3.2.1 according to semantic versioning standards."
- in a code review
"Since this introduces a breaking API change, it should be semantic versioning 4.0.0, not 3.1.0."
- in a team meeting
"Our library strictly adheres to semantic versioning, so users know exactly what to expect when updating."
More mistakes(2)
Handle with care. Often abbreviated as SemVer; do not confuse with simple version numbering. Semantic versioning follows a specific MAJOR.MINOR.PATCH format with defined meaning, not arbitrary numbering.
- ✕We bump the minor version whenever we add a breaking change.✓We bump the major version whenever we add a breaking change.
Breaking changes require a major version bump by semantic versioning rules; minor is for backwards-compatible features.
- ✕Semantic versioning means we can use any numbering system we want.✓Semantic versioning is a strict standard with defined rules for MAJOR, MINOR, and PATCH increments.
Semantic versioning is a specific specification, not just any versioning approach.
Other forms(3)
- semantic versioning noun
"The project adheres to semantic versioning guidelines."
- semantic version noun
"The semantic version for this release is 2.1.0."
- follow semantic versioning verb
"We follow semantic versioning to ensure predictable updates."
Often used with(4)
- adhere to / follow semantic versioning · Used to say a project uses semantic versioning consistently
- semantic versioning standard · Refers to the formal specification and rules of semantic versioning
- semantic versioning guidelines · The principles or best practices for implementing semantic versioning
- break semantic versioning · Used when a version number violates semantic versioning rules
Similar words(2)
- SemVer · Abbreviation for semantic versioning; more casual but widely used in tech
- version numbering · General term; less specific and does not imply the semantic structure
Opposites(2)
- arbitrary versioning
- random version numbering
Questions(5)
- What does semantic versioning mean in software engineering?
- Semantic versioning is a standardized way to version software using three numbers (MAJOR.MINOR.PATCH). MAJOR is incremented for breaking changes, MINOR for backwards-compatible new features, and PATCH for bug fixes. This allows users and developers to understand the impact of updating to a new version.
- How do you use semantic versioning in a sentence at work?
- You might say: 'We follow semantic versioning, so users know they can safely upgrade to 1.5.0 without code changes.' Or in a meeting: 'This is a breaking change, so it requires bumping to 2.0.0 per semantic versioning standards.'
- Is semantic versioning formal or informal?
- Semantic versioning is neutral to formal. It is a technical standard widely used in professional software development. In conversation, developers often abbreviate it as SemVer in casual contexts, but the full term is used in documentation and formal discussions.
- Why is semantic versioning important?
- Semantic versioning is important because it communicates risk to users of your library or API. When version numbers follow semantic versioning, developers can automatically or safely update dependencies without worrying about unexpected breaking changes. It is crucial for package managers and dependency management.
- What is an example of semantic versioning?
- An example progression might be: 1.0.0 (initial release), 1.1.0 (new feature added), 1.1.1 (bug fix), 2.0.0 (breaking change like removing an API endpoint). Each number increment has a specific meaning.
