Guide versioning
Semantic Versioning
Given a version number MAJOR.MINOR.PATCH, increment the:
- MAJORversion when you make incompatible changes.
- MINORversion when you add functionality in a backwards-compatible manner,
- PATCHversion when you make backwards-compatible bug fixes.
Additional labels for pre-release and build metadata are available as extensions to the MAJOR.MINOR.PATCH format.
Pre-release Labels
These labels will be taken from the GDS development process stages, and will be one of:
- Discovery: A Feasibility study. A 'No code' development. Designed to find out what users are trying to achieve, any constraints, improvement opportunities 
- Alpha: Develop prototypes and test with users. Could be minimal functionality and potentially prototypes for any options to determine which is best 
- Private Beta: Working version and test with invited users. Handle real transactions and work at scale. ‘Invite only’ or regional. Must Pass assessment by business and technical SME’s 
- Public Beta: All users can participate. Version unlikely to change substantially, but still needs further testing by a wider group of implementors before becoming live 
- Live: The live phase is about supporting the service in a sustainable way, and continuing to iterate and make improvements 
- Retiring: Implementors notified that the service is discontinued and not to be used for new developments