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Versioning

Semantic Versioning​

The CDM is released using the semantic versioning 2.0 system - See SemVer 2.0.0. At high-level, the format of a version number is MAJOR.MINOR.PATCH (e.g. 1.23.456), where:

  • A MAJOR (1) version may introduce backward-incompatible changes and will be used as high level release name (e.g. "CDM Version 1"). See our major release scheduling guidelines for guidelines on how major releases are scheduled.
  • A MINOR (23) version may introduce new features but in a backward-compatible way, for example supporting a new type of event or function.
  • A PATCH (456) version is for backward-compatible bug fixes, for example fixing the logic of a condition.

In addition, pre-release versions of a major release will be denoted with a DEV tag as follows:

  • MAJOR.0.0-DEV.x (e.g. 1.0.0-DEV.789), where x gets incremented with each new pre-release version until it becomes the MAJOR.0.0 release.

The minor, patch and pre-release numbers may sometimes increment by more than one unit. This is because release candidates may be created but not immediately released. Subsequently, a version associated with the next incremental unit may be released that includes the changes from the earlier release candidate.

Unless under exceptional circumstances, the major number will be incremented by one unit only.

Version Availability​

Several versions of the CDM will be made available concurrently, with a dual objective.

  • The latest development version (i.e. with a pre-release tag) fosters continued, rapid change development and involves model contributions made by the industry community. Changes that break backward compatibility are allowed. This development version is available in read-only and read-write access on the CDM's modelling-platforms.
  • The latest production version (i.e. without any pre-release tag) offers a stable, well-supported production environment for consumers of the model. Unless under exceptional circumstances, no new disruptive feature shall be introduced, mostly bug fixes only. Any change shall adhere to a strict governance process as it must be backward-compatible. Generally, it can only be developed by a CDM Maintainer. This production version is available in read-only access through the CDM's modelling-platforms.
  • Earlier production versions, when still supported, are also available in read-only access for industry members who are still implementing older versions of the model. Over time, those earlier production versions enter long-term support in which supportability will be degraded, until they eventually become unsupported.

Example. Assume that the latest major release of the model is 5. The various versions available would be as follows:

  • 5.0.0 and any subsequent 5.x would be the latest production version. Backward-compatibility to the initial 5.0.0 version would be maintained for any 5.x successor version.
  • The latest 4.x and 3.x may also be supported, but 2.x could be under long-term support and 1.x unsupported altogether.
  • 6.0.0-DEV.x would be the latest development version. It can, and will generally, contain changes that are not backward-compatible with version 5. Backward-compatibility between successive 6.0.0-DEV.x versions is also not assured. Once fully developed, version 6.0.0 can be tagged as a major release and becomes the new latest production version.

Please note, all contributions must follow the change control guidelines. Guidelines for approval of new versions are described in the Maintenance and Release Guidelines

Note: The above example is for illustration only and not indicative of actually supported CDM versions.