Predrag Gruevski and Chris Krycho discuss semantic versioning challenges and advantages, improving SemVer tooling, where it shines, Types and SemVer, exploring if there's a better way, and the complexities of opting out.
Semantic versioning presents challenges like the need for improved tooling, defining breaking changes is complex.
Socket focuses on app security to prevent malicious dependencies, typo squat attacks, and hidden behavior.
Implementing Semver across programming languages requires tools to detect breaking changes and code mods for seamless transitions.
Deep dives
Challenges with Semantic Versioning
Semantic versioning brings challenges such as the need for improved tooling around it. Understanding when a breaking change should trigger a major version update can be complex. The idea of integrating types to influence Semver is explored, highlighting the difficulty in defining breaking changes.
Protecting Code from Vulnerabilities
Socket, a developer-first security platform, prevents vulnerable and malicious open-source dependencies from infiltrating critical applications. By focusing on real threats and various risks like malicious dependencies, typo squat attacks, and dependencies with hidden behavior, Socket ensures app cleanliness and security.
Addressing Semver Challenges
The podcast delves into the challenges of implementing and understanding Semver across different programming languages and ecosystems. It discusses the potential solutions, including building tools to detect breaking changes and code mods for seamless transitions without requiring major version updates.
Value of Predictable Release Schedules
Predictability in versioning schedules, such as quarterly or six-week release cycles, provides benefits for organizations and developers alike. Having a set cadence helps in planning updates, managing dependencies, and mitigating risks associated with frequent changes.
The Significance of Clear Version Nomenclature in Software Development
Establishing a clear version nomenclature like the 24-09 format beyond just numerical versions such as Node 22 can aid in better communication and scheduling in software development. This format helps distinguish timed releases containing significant changes, fostering clarity and predictability in release schedules. Additionally, the practice ensures easier differentiation of marketing dynamics within the ecosystem.
The Impact of Semver and Continuous Upgrades on Software Development Practices
The discussion delves into the importance of Semver in facilitating smoother software upgrades and reducing breaking changes. Embracing Semver aids in effective communication across various languages and ecosystems, enhancing the adoption of tools like cargo Semver checks. By integrating Semver principles and peer dependencies, developers can simplify version compatibility and encourage continuous upgrades for improved software quality and performance.
Predrag Gruevski and Chris Krycho joined the show to talk about SemVer. We explore the challenges and the advantages of semantic versioning (aka SemVer), the need for improving the tooling around SemVer, where semantic versioning really shines and where it’s needed, Types and SemVer, whether or not there’s a better way, and why it’s not as simple as just opting out.
Retool – The low-code platform for developers to build internal tools — Some of the best teams out there trust Retool…Brex, Coinbase, Plaid, Doordash, LegalGenius, Amazon, Allbirds, Peloton, and so many more – the developers at these teams trust Retool as the platform to build their internal tools. Try it free at retool.com/changelog
ExpressVPN – Stop handing over your personal data to ISPs and other tech giants who mine your activity and sell off your information. Protect yourself with ExpressVPN. Go to ExpressVPN.com/changelog and get three (3) extra months free.
Fly.io – The home of Changelog.com — Deploy your apps and databases close to your users. In minutes you can run your Ruby, Go, Node, Deno, Python, or Elixir app (and databases!) all over the world. No ops required. Learn more at fly.io/changelog and check out the speedrun in their docs.
