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Technology Glossary

Versioning

Keerthi Rangan
KR
by Keerthi Rangan
Versioning is the process of assigning unique names or identifiers to manage multiple versions of software. Learn more about versioning, types of versioning schemes, and best practices to follow during a software release.
DefinitionVersioning Software

In this post

In this post

What is versioning?

Versioning, in the context of software development, refers to the process of assigning unique identifiers, typically names or numbers, to different states or iterations of a software product. This practice is integral to managing and distinguishing between multiple versions of software artifacts, such as operating systems, applications, and web services.

In practical applications, versioning is crucial for tracking the evolution of a software object. It involves documenting changes, which can range from minor tweaks and bug fixes to major feature additions or revisions. This systematic approach allows teams to release different aspects of a feature or change across multiple versions, often with specific naming conventions that reflect the progression or nature of these changes.

For developers and users alike, versioning offers significant value. It ensures clarity and organization in the development process, facilitating better collaboration and communication among team members. For users, versioning provides a clear history of a software's development, making it easier to understand the capabilities and limitations of different versions. This clarity is particularly useful when troubleshooting or when deciding whether to upgrade to a newer version.

Related Glossary Terms

Versioning Software
Software that mention versioning as a feature or term.
GitHub
GitHub
Microsoft SharePoint
Microsoft SharePoint
Dropbox
Dropbox
Bitbucket
Bitbucket
Confluence
Confluence
Google Workspace
Google Workspace
Keerthi Rangan
KR

Keerthi Rangan

Keerthi Rangan is a Senior SEO Specialist with a sharp focus on the IT management software market. Formerly a Content Marketing Specialist at G2, Keerthi crafts content that not only simplifies complex IT concepts but also guides organizations toward transformative software solutions. With a background in Python development, she brings a unique blend of technical expertise and strategic insight to her work. Her interests span network automation, blockchain, infrastructure as code (IaC), SaaS, and beyond—always exploring how technology reshapes businesses and how people work. Keerthi’s approach is thoughtful and driven by a quiet curiosity, always seeking the deeper connections between technology, strategy, and growth.

Versioning Software

This list shows the top software that mention versioning most on G2.

GitHub

GitHub is the best place to share code with friends, co-workers, classmates, and complete strangers. Over two million people use GitHub to build amazing things together.

Microsoft SharePoint

With SharePoint you can manage versions, apply retention schedules, declare records, and place legal holds, whether you're dealing with traditional content, Web content.

Dropbox

Dropbox lets you save and access all your files and photos in one organized place, and share it with anyone. Whether you run a solo biz or lead a large, complex team, Dropbox helps your work flow better.

Bitbucket

Store all of your Git and Mercurial source code in one place with unlimited private repositories. Includes issue tracking, wiki, and pull requests.

Confluence

Give your team one place to share, find, and collaborate on information they need to get work done.

Google Workspace

Google Workspace enables teams of all sizes to connect, create and collaborate. It includes productivity and collaboration tools for all the ways that we work: Gmail for custom business email, Drive for cloud storage, Docs for word processing, Meet for video and voice conferencing, Chat for team messaging, Slides for presentation building, shared Calendars, and many more.

Microsoft OneDrive for Business

With Microsoft OneDrive you can store any file on your SkyDrive and it's automatically available from your phone and computers. No syncing or cables needed.

Git

Git is a fast, scalable, and distributed version control system designed to handle everything from small to very large projects with speed and efficiency. Originally developed for the Linux kernel, Git has become the de facto standard for version control, utilized by millions of developers worldwide. Its distributed architecture allows each developer to have a complete history of the project, enabling robust collaboration and offline work capabilities. Key Features and Functionality: - Distributed Version Control: Every developer has a full copy of the repository, allowing for independent work and reducing reliance on a central server. - High Performance: Git is optimized for speed, efficiently handling large repositories with millions of files and commits. - Data Integrity: Every file and commit is checksummed and retrieved by its checksum, ensuring the integrity of the repository. - Branching and Merging: Git offers powerful branching and merging capabilities, facilitating parallel development and feature integration. - Staging Area: The staging area allows developers to prepare commits by selecting changes to include, providing greater control over the commit history. - Free and Open Source: Released under the GNU General Public License version 2.0, Git is free to use and modify, promoting collaboration and transparency. Primary Value and User Solutions: Git addresses the challenges of collaborative software development by providing a reliable and efficient system for tracking changes, coordinating work among multiple developers, and maintaining a comprehensive history of project evolution. Its distributed nature ensures that developers can work offline and merge changes seamlessly, reducing conflicts and enhancing productivity. By offering a robust set of tools for version control, Git empowers teams to manage their codebases effectively, leading to more stable and maintainable software projects.

Box

Box is the leader in Intelligent Content Management, helping teams securely manage, collaborate, and automate their work with AI-powered tools. It provides one secure platform for the entire content lifecycle, from storing and sharing to signing, automating, and activating content with AI. With Box AI, teams can query documents, summarize reports, and streamline processes across departments.Box enforces advanced security and compliance with HIPAA, GDPR, FINRA, and FedRAMP certifications, plus AI guardrails that protect data in motion and at rest. Trusted by AstraZeneca, Morgan Stanley, and the U.S. Air Force, Box powers mission-critical collaboration across regulated industries and global businesses. With over 1,500 integrations, including Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Salesforce, Slack, and DocuSign, Box connects seamlessly with your everyday tools.APIs and SDKs enable customization so Box adapts to your workflows.

Amazon Simple Storage Service (S3)

Amazon Simple Storage Service (S3) is storage for the Internet. A simple web services interface used to store and retrieve any amount of data, at any time, from anywhere on the web.

GitLab

An open source web interface and source control platform based on Git.

Smartsheet

Smartsheet is a modern work management platform that helps teams manage projects, automate processes, and scale workflows all in one central platform.

SourceTree

SourceTree simplifies how you interact with your Git and Mercurial repositories so you can focus on coding. Visualize and manage your repositories through SourceTree's simple interface.

Visual Studio

Visual Studio is a comprehensive integrated development environment (IDE) designed to empower developers in building applications across various platforms, including Android, iOS, Windows, web, and cloud. It supports multiple programming languages, such as .NET, C++, Python, and JavaScript, providing a versatile environment for software development. Key Features and Functionality: - IntelliSense: Offers context-aware code suggestions to enhance coding efficiency. - GitHub Copilot Integration: Provides AI-assisted coding to streamline complex tasks. - Advanced Debugging Tools: Includes a robust debugger to identify and resolve issues early in the development process. - Integrated Testing: Facilitates seamless testing with built-in tools for both manual and automated testing. - CI/CD Support: Enables continuous integration and deployment through Git and Azure DevOps integration. - Cross-Platform Development: Supports development for multiple platforms, including mobile, desktop, and cloud applications. Primary Value and Solutions Provided: Visual Studio enhances developer productivity by offering a unified environment that integrates coding, debugging, testing, and deployment tools. Its support for multiple languages and platforms allows developers to create diverse applications efficiently. The integration of AI tools like GitHub Copilot and comprehensive debugging features ensures high-quality code production. Additionally, Visual Studio's support for modern development practices, including CI/CD pipelines and cloud integration, streamlines the software development lifecycle, enabling faster and more reliable application delivery.

Onshape

Onshape is a modern CAD system that eliminates design gridlock and helps engineers do their best work. Onshape unites advanced modeling tools and design data management in a secure cloud workspace that has rapidly become the primary CAD system for thousands of companies worldwide.

P4

P4 is an industrial-strength version control and collaboration platform that supports flexible workflows. P4 eliminates the complexity of large-scale, distributed product development – allowing you to build products faster while protecting your valuable IP.

CrashPlan SMB

CrashPlan®️ provides peace of mind through easy-to-use, automatic backup for endpoints and Microsoft365 data. We help small to medium-sized businesses recover from any worst-case scenario, whether it is a disaster, simple human error, a stolen laptop, or ransomware. What starts as backup and recovery becomes a solution for ransomware recovery, breaches, and migrations – making CrashPlan foundational to an organization’s data security.

Eclipse

Eclipse is a robust, open-source integrated development environment (IDE) renowned for its extensibility and support for multiple programming languages. It provides a comprehensive suite of tools for software development, including code editing, debugging, and version control integration. Eclipse's modular architecture allows developers to customize their workspace with a vast array of plugins, catering to diverse development needs. Its cross-platform compatibility ensures a consistent experience across different operating systems. By offering a unified environment for various development tasks, Eclipse enhances productivity and streamlines the software development process. Key Features and Functionality: - Extensible Plugin System: Eclipse's architecture supports a wide range of plugins, enabling developers to tailor the IDE to their specific requirements. - Multi-language Support: It offers support for numerous programming languages, including Java, C++, Python, and more, facilitating diverse development projects. - Advanced Code Editing: Features such as syntax highlighting, code completion, and refactoring tools enhance code quality and developer efficiency. - Integrated Debugging: Eclipse provides powerful debugging tools that allow for real-time code analysis and troubleshooting. - Version Control Integration: Seamless integration with version control systems like Git enables efficient source code management. - Cross-Platform Compatibility: Eclipse runs on various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, ensuring a consistent development environment. Primary Value and User Solutions: Eclipse addresses the complexities of modern software development by offering an all-in-one platform that integrates essential development tools. Its extensible nature allows developers to adapt the IDE to their evolving needs, promoting flexibility and scalability. By supporting multiple programming languages and providing advanced features like debugging and version control, Eclipse streamlines the development workflow, reduces context switching, and enhances overall productivity. Its open-source model fosters a collaborative community, ensuring continuous improvement and a wealth of resources for users.

Azure DevOps Server

Azure DevOps Server, formerly known as Team Foundation Server (TFS), is a comprehensive on-premises solution developed by Microsoft for managing the entire application lifecycle. It integrates version control, project management, build automation, testing, and release management into a unified platform, facilitating collaboration among development teams. Designed to support both agile and waterfall methodologies, Azure DevOps Server enables organizations to plan, develop, test, and deliver software efficiently within their own infrastructure. Key Features and Functionality: - Version Control: Offers robust source code management through Team Foundation Version Control (TFVC) and Git, allowing teams to choose between centralized or distributed version control systems. - Project Management: Provides agile planning tools, including configurable Kanban boards and backlogs, to plan, track, and discuss work across teams. - Build Automation: Enables continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) pipelines to build, test, and deploy applications across various platforms and environments. - Testing: Includes manual and exploratory testing tools to ensure code quality and support the entire testing lifecycle. - Release Management: Facilitates controlled and automated deployment of applications to different environments, ensuring consistent and reliable releases. - Extensibility: Supports integration with various development environments, including Microsoft Visual Studio and Eclipse, and offers APIs for custom extensions. Primary Value and User Benefits: Azure DevOps Server addresses the challenges of managing complex software development projects by providing a centralized platform that enhances collaboration, streamlines workflows, and improves code quality. By integrating various development tools and processes, it reduces the overhead associated with managing multiple disparate systems. Organizations benefit from increased transparency, better project tracking, and faster delivery times, all while maintaining control over their data within their own infrastructure. This makes Azure DevOps Server particularly valuable for enterprises with strict compliance requirements or those operating in environments where cloud-based solutions are not feasible.

Automation Anywhere

Automation Anywhere Enterprise is an RPA platform architected for the digital enterprise.