What every digit means in software version (1.7.1.0, for example)?

Question

What could every digit mean in software version? (for example, 1.7.1.0) How do you numerate your versions?

Thank you.

Answer 1

Another method widely used is having an incremental build number. Without any correlation to so called "version".

"Version" is more interesting for consumers wanting to know this is a new product, hence you just give every release a name.

But for internal uses and easy reference of product and his tested\source controlled version, a simple incrementing build number might be more convenient.