Difficulty in managing updates

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 125 views

Consider Switching to Semantic Versioning (semver) and More Frequent Revision (bugfix only) Releases

Introduction

When it comes to software development, versioning is a crucial aspect that helps track changes and updates to a project. However, the current versioning system used by many projects, including Apache HTTPd, is based on breaking changes rather than semantic versioning (semver). This approach can lead to confusion and difficulties in managing updates. In this article, we will explore the benefits of switching to semver and more frequent revision (bugfix only) releases.

The Current Versioning System

The current versioning system used by Apache HTTPd is based on breaking changes, which means that each new version is released when a significant change is made to the codebase. This approach is often referred to as the "Apache HTTPd-based" versioning system. The version numbers are typically in the format of Major.Minor.Revision, where:

Major: represents a complete rewrite of the internal and external design
Minor: represents new Apache minor versions based on the same design
Revision: represents internal (non-breaking) rewrites

For example, the version 3.3.3 represents a minor update to the Apache 2.4 design, while the version 3.0/3.1 represents a complete rewrite of the internal and external design.

The Problem with the Current Versioning System

The current versioning system has several drawbacks, including:

Confusion: The version numbers can be confusing, especially when trying to determine the significance of a particular update.
Difficulty in managing updates: The breaking changes approach can lead to difficulties in managing updates, as distro maintainers may need to cherry-pick fixes from the master branch.
Inefficient release cycle: The current versioning system can lead to an inefficient release cycle, as bug fixes are often delayed until a new feature is added.

The Benefits of Semantic Versioning (semver)

Semantic versioning (semver) is a standard versioning system that uses the format of Major.Minor.Revision, where:

Major: represents a breaking change, including complete rewrites of internal and external design
Minor: represents non-breaking new features
Revision: represents non-breaking bug-fixes only

By switching to semver, the version numbers become more meaningful, and the release cycle becomes more efficient. For example, the version 3.3.4 would actually be 3.4.0, and any new features would be added in 3.5.0 or later.

The Logical Conclusion of Switching to semver

The logical conclusion of switching to semver is that Revision (1.0.x) releases should exist (the "non-breaking bugfix-only releases"), and thus bug fixes should not wait to be wrapped up with extra features before release. This approach is more efficient and allows for more frequent releases.

Example Use Case

Let's consider an example use case where a new feature is added to the codebase. In the current versioning system, the new feature would be released as 3.3.4, which includes both the new feature and the bug fix. However, with semver, the new feature would be released as 3.4.0, and the bug fix would be released as 3.3.4. This approach allows for more frequent releases and makes it easier to manage updates.

Conclusion

In conclusion, switching to semantic versioning (semver) and more frequent revision (bugfix only) releases can bring several benefits, including a more efficient release cycle, easier management of updates, and more meaningful version numbers. By adopting semver, developers can improve the overall quality and maintainability of their codebase.

Recommendations

Based on the discussion above, we recommend the following:

Switch to semver: Adopt the semantic versioning system to improve the efficiency and maintainability of the codebase.
Release bug fixes more frequently: Release bug fixes as Revision (1.0.x) releases, rather than waiting for a new feature to be added.
Use more meaningful version numbers: Use the Major.Minor.Revision format to make version numbers more meaningful and easier to understand.

By following these recommendations, developers can improve the overall quality and maintainability of their codebase, making it easier to manage updates and releases.
Q&A: Consider Switching to Semantic Versioning (semver) and More Frequent Revision (bugfix only) Releases

Introduction

In our previous article, we discussed the benefits of switching to semantic versioning (semver) and more frequent revision (bugfix only) releases. However, we understand that some of you may still have questions about this approach. In this article, we will address some of the most frequently asked questions about semver and provide more information on how to implement it in your project.

Q: What is semantic versioning (semver)?

A: Semantic versioning (semver) is a standard versioning system that uses the format of Major.Minor.Revision, where:

Major: represents a breaking change, including complete rewrites of internal and external design
Minor: represents non-breaking new features
Revision: represents non-breaking bug-fixes only

Q: Why should I switch to semver?

A: Switching to semver can bring several benefits, including:

A more efficient release cycle
Easier management of updates
More meaningful version numbers

Q: How do I implement semver in my project?

A: To implement semver in your project, you can follow these steps:

Determine the major version: The major version should be incremented when a breaking change is made to the codebase.
Determine the minor version: The minor version should be incremented when a non-breaking new feature is added.
Determine the revision version: The revision version should be incremented when a non-breaking bug-fix is made.
Use the correct version format: Use the Major.Minor.Revision format to make version numbers more meaningful and easier to understand.

Q: What is the difference between a breaking change and a non-breaking change?

A: A breaking change is a change that affects the compatibility of the codebase, such as a complete rewrite of the internal and external design. A non-breaking change is a change that does not affect the compatibility of the codebase, such as a new feature or a bug-fix.

Q: How do I handle bug-fixes in semver?

A: In semver, bug-fixes are released as Revision (1.0.x) releases, rather than waiting for a new feature to be added. This approach allows for more frequent releases and makes it easier to manage updates.

Q: Can I use semver with my existing versioning system?

A: Yes, you can use semver with your existing versioning system. However, you may need to make some changes to your versioning system to accommodate the new format.

Q: What are the benefits of using semver with my project?

A: The benefits of using semver with your project include:

A more efficient release cycle
Easier management of updates
More meaningful version numbers
Improved compatibility with other projects

Q: How do I communicate the changes in semver to my team and stakeholders?

A: To communicate the changes in semver to your team and stakeholders, you can:

Use clear and concise language: Use clear and concise language to explain the changes in semver.
Provide examples: Provide examples of how semver will be used in your project.
Create a versioning policy: Create a versioning policy that outlines the rules for using semver in your project.

Conclusion

In conclusion, switching to semantic versioning (semver) and more frequent revision (bugfix only) releases can bring several benefits to your project, including a more efficient release cycle, easier management of updates, and more meaningful version numbers. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can implement semver in your project and improve the overall quality and maintainability of your codebase.

Recommendations

Based on the discussion above, we recommend the following:

Use semver: Adopt the semantic versioning system to improve the efficiency and maintainability of your codebase.
Communicate changes clearly: Communicate the changes in semver clearly and concisely to your team and stakeholders.
Create a versioning policy: Create a versioning policy that outlines the rules for using semver in your project.

By following these recommendations, you can improve the overall quality and maintainability of your codebase and make it easier to manage updates and releases.