When should I use semantic versioning?

What is semantic versioning and when should I use it?

Semantic versioning is a versioning scheme for software that uses a three-part version number: MAJOR.MINOR.PATCH. You should use it when you want to clearly communicate changes in your software's API.

Can you give me an example of when to increment each part?

Sure! Increment the MAJOR version when you make incompatible API changes, the MINOR version for adding functionality in a backward-compatible manner, and the PATCH version for backward-compatible bug fixes.

What if I make a change that doesn't fit these categories?

In that case, you might consider using a pre-release version or a build metadata tag to indicate that the version is not stable or is still in development.

Is semantic versioning widely adopted?

Yes, semantic versioning is widely adopted in the software industry, especially in open-source projects, as it helps manage dependencies and expectations.