What are good alternatives to Semantic version pitfalls, and how do they compare?

Semantic versioning (SemVer) is a popular versioning scheme that helps manage version numbers based on changes in the API. However, it can sometimes lead to confusion or misuse. Here are some good alternatives to avoid the pitfalls of Semantic versioning:

  • Date-based versioning: This method uses the release date as the version number, making it easy to identify when changes were made.
  • CalVer (Calendar Versioning): A derivative of date-based versioning that often adds a patch increment to denote minor changes.
  • Incremental versioning: Simple sequential numbers for each release, avoiding the complexity of semantic meaning.
  • Feature-based versioning: This approach focuses on the features introduced in each version and numbers accordingly, making it clear what was added.
  • Custom versioning schemes: Some projects develop their own versioning systems based on their specific needs, such as using an abbreviation of the project name followed by release numerical increments.

Each alternative has its benefits and drawbacks, and the choice largely depends on the project's goals and stakeholder preferences.


versioning schemes semantic versioning alternatives date-based versioning CalVer incremental versioning feature-based versioning