Semantic Versioning with Git Tags

In software development, tracking changes and updates can be challenging. Semantic versioning can help.

By following a structured versioning system, developers can communicate changes effectively, ensuring compatibility and clarity.

What is Semantic Versioning?

Semantic versioning (SemVer) is a versioning scheme that uses a three-part number format: `MAJOR.MINOR.PATCH`. Each part of the version number signifies the scope and impact of changes:

- MAJOR version increments when you make incompatible API changes.
- MINOR version increments when you add functionality in a backwards-compatible manner.
- PATCH version increments when you make backwards-compatible bug fixes.

For instance, version `1.2.3` breaks down as follows:

- `1` (MAJOR): Incompatible changes
- `2` (MINOR): New features, no breaking changes
- `3` (PATCH): Bug fixes

Why Use Semantic Versioning?

Semantic versioning provides clear guidelines for version increments, which helps both the developers and the software users. It ensures:

- Clarity: Everyone understands the significance of each version.
- Compatibility: Users know what to expect in terms of API compatibility.
- Structure: Provides a consistent way to handle and communicate updates.

Implementing Semantic Versioning with Git Tags

Git tags are a simple yet powerful way to manage and track your project versions. Let’s go through the steps to implement semantic versioning using Git tags.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Commit Your Changes:
After making changes, commit them with a descriptive message.

```bash
git commit -m "Add new feature to handle pets"
```

2. Tag the Version:
Use Git to create a new tag for the version.

```bash
git tag -a v1.0.0 -m "Initial release with pet handling feature"
```

3. Push the Tags to Remote:
Ensure your tags are pushed to the remote repository.

```bash
git push origin master --tags
```

Automating with npm

If your project uses npm, you can automate versioning updates directly in `package.json`. For example, to increment the minor version:

```bash
npm version minor
```

This command updates the version in `package.json` and creates a corresponding Git tag.