Version numbers

As we are starting to get versions of the game out, we will need numbering them to keep track of them. This thread is to discuss how the numbering should work.

Version numbers usually are composed of two or three numbers separated by dots, and usually are numbered by the date of release. Newer versions recieve higher version numbers.

Here i will propose a similar way of doing so that the one that Wow uses.

Small changes just modify the last number, going for example from 0.0.1 to 0.0.2.

Really small changes (like small bugfixes or small code refactoring) could go under revision, denoted by a small r. For example, going from 0.0.1 to 0.0.1r1 to 0.0.1r2.

The first number is usually tied to major refactoring or introducing big quantities of content. For example, we could use version 1.x.x for microbe stage, going up to version 2.x.x for multicelular stage, and so on.

The second number usually means somewhat important things added. Here is where i see the problem. Diferentiating between small and medium aditions. One notable example of such problem is the one LoL has. As they introduce small changes often, but never too big, they only change the last number. Acording to the game, its current version is 0.0.0.243. You can see why i dont want that.

Either we agree upon a somewhat clear way of differentiating between changes on the second and third number, we get rid of the second number, or we just assign them arbitrarly, which is my less favourite option.

Also the whole numbering method is up for debate, of course. We just need to agree upon some way of numbering them.

That looks pretty much like what I had in mind. For differentiating between small and medium changes, I'd suggest that medium changes represent set milestones, or planned releases. So for example the first release with a playable cell would be v0.1.0, introducing visibly different cell species would be v0.2.0 etc. Whereas small changes (adding input handling, the entity system etc.) would be minor releases.

That's ok with me. If everyone agrees with that, the only thing we have left to do is the version we currently are, and maybe putting a centralized post for the releases.

Following the numeration you have at your dropbox, which finishes at 5, plus the other 3 i put up, i would say that our latest version is v0.0.8

For the post, i'm going to start a new one at the programming subforum.

Edit: Here is the post. Feel free to edit it if you want to add anything to it.

I approve of this system.

I thought maybe it is a good thing to advertise on my youtube channel about these versions .. perhaps with the download link. And every time update them with new versions. In my opinion, increase people and maybe programmers.

I would say that anyone is free to post these links wherever they want, reupload somewhere else or whatever, as long as they link back to this forums and they dont claim ownership of the program. However that i something to discuss in another thread.

Daniferrito wrote:

I would say that anyone is free to post these links wherever they want, reupload somewhere else or whatever, as long as they link back to this forums and they dont claim ownership of the program. However that i something to discuss in another thread.

Well so I can?