What does the PATCH version mean?

The PATCH version is the third number in semantic versioning (SemVer), which is incremented when bugs are fixed and small changes are made without changing functionality or breaking compatibility.

Version format:

MAJOR.MINOR.PATCH

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#What incrementing PATCH means

Incrementing PATCH means:

"We fixed something, but the product's behavior for users has not changed."

That is:

• the API stayed the same
• no new functionality was added
• the update is completely safe

Example:

1.4.2 → 1.4.3

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#Examples of changes for PATCH

PATCH is incremented if:

• a bug was fixed
• a logic error was fixed
• a production bug was fixed
• code was optimized without changing behavior
• documentation or comments were fixed (sometimes)

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#What PATCH does NOT mean

PATCH does not mean:

• adding new features
• changing the API
• changing behavior that users might have relied on

If the behavior changed, it is already a MINOR or MAJOR version.

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#PATCH in releases and CI/CD

• PATCH releases happen most often
• they are usually deployed automatically
• they are often used for hotfixes

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#PATCH and version resets

• PATCH is incremented independently
• when MINOR or MAJOR is incremented:
  • PATCH is reset to 0

Example:

1.4.9 → 1.5.0

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#Short answer for an interview

The PATCH version is incremented when bugs are fixed and small changes are made that do not break backward compatibility and do not add new functionality.