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What are software version numbers for, and how to work with them correctly?

05.01.2025

Various software options are used in all areas of business. Regardless of the format – desktop version or mobile application, in the conditions of active development, various changes will be regularly made, options will be added or removed, errors will be fixed. In this case, you will not need to order an iOS application, the software remains the same, but its version changes. Each version stores all the data that allows developers to obtain information, if necessary, about when a failure occurred, for what reason, why this or that option does not work correctly. Thus, the development of Apple applications becomes more efficient and faster. All versions are a catalog in which you can easily find any information that interests the programmer, at any stage of software development.

General structuring of versions – basic principles of designation

Convenient designation of the version name is a must in order to spend a minimum of time searching for the necessary data and eliminating errors if they occur. Therefore, the version structure must be effective. To do this, use the following algorithm, dividing all versions into levels and designating them accordingly:

first – here are versions with large jumps, that is, the regularity of the step from six months to 30 months or more;
second – this group includes small jumps, on average 2-4 weeks;
third – this is a catalog of urgent patches on demand at any time.

Moreover, a situation can often arise when developers from different departments simultaneously work in different versions. In order not to provoke even greater failures in configuration management when mobile iOS development is carried out, it would be optimal to give preference to two-level numbering. Moreover, the main criterion for categorization may differ in different companies. For example, a common practice today is to mark odd numbers for those versions that are in development, and even numbers for those that are used without changes.

Numbering methods

To ensure that the development of an iOS application does not become a nightmare for programmers, but is rational and effectively solves the current problems of users, it is worth choosing one method that all specialists adhere to. These can be the following options:

Integer numbers. This method is used when the program is highly complex, the code is written for a long time, new versions appear no more than once a year, or even less often. In this case, some minor corrections are not taken into account when numbering. Each version is given a name by an integer, starting from 1.
Decimal fractions. A convenient option when there is more than one iOS application developer, and versions are changed quite often. In this case, after the implemented changes, the designations will look like this: 1.0, 1.1, etc. When a new function is added to the software, a transition is made with the designation to the next digit – 2.0, 3.0.
Sequential numbers. This practice is used when the development of mobile applications for any operating systems, for example, iOS, Android, involves changes of different types. In this case, the first digit denotes the major version, it changes only after the introduction of fundamental changes to the program code. The second is a symbol of the minor version, when the changes in functionality are minor. The third digit (in some projects it can be replaced by a letter) defines the versions that are in the development stage. For example, the creation of an iOS application at the testing stage, public testing, release or launch of a public release. With this format, the fourth number can also be used, which changes every time any, even the smallest or most insignificant changes are made.

The development of iOS mobile applications can be done with the designation of versions by year or text numbering. The choice of a specific model is determined according to the priorities and type of project.

The cost of developing an iOS application does not depend on the version numbering method. This is a purely technical point, which is determined for the convenience and accuracy of the developers’ work. The price depends on completely different factors, for example, which particular decision was made to buy an Apple developer account to promote your software through the Apple marketplace, what functionality is included in the software. To get a truly high-quality product that will ensure the successful development of your brand and the expected profit, contact the specialized company Nova.Shop.