What is Semantic Versioning (SemVer)?

Semantic Versioning is a versioning scheme in the format MAJOR.MINOR.PATCH. Increment MAJOR for breaking changes, MINOR for new backward-compatible features, and PATCH for backward-compatible bug fixes. The full spec is at semver.org.

When should I increment the major version?

Increment MAJOR (e.g. 1.4.2 → 2.0.0) when you make incompatible API changes — removed endpoints, renamed methods, changed return types, or database migrations that break existing integrations. MINOR and PATCH reset to 0.

What does the pre-release identifier do?

A pre-release identifier (e.g. -alpha.1, -beta.2, -rc.1) marks the version as unstable and lower precedence than the release version. For example, 2.0.0-rc.1 < 2.0.0. Use it to signal work-in-progress releases to early adopters.

Should I use v prefix in git tags?

The SemVer spec itself does not include the 'v' prefix, but it is a widely adopted convention in git (e.g. git tag v2.0.0). GitHub, npm, and most CI/CD tools recognize the 'v' prefix and display it correctly in release pages.

Semantic Versioning (SemVer) Calculator & Release Planner

Current Version

Enter your current release tag. Must follow MAJOR.MINOR.PATCH format. MAJOR.MINOR.PATCH

⚠ Please enter a valid version like 1.0.0 or 2.14.3 1.0.0 2.14.3

What changed in this release?

Select all that apply - the highest-priority rule wins.

💥

Breaking Changes

MAJOR +1

Incompatible API changes, removed endpoints, or behavior that breaks existing integrations.

1.4.2 → 2.0.0 Removed auth endpoint DB schema migration

✨

New Features / Enhancements

MINOR +1

Backward-compatible new functionality, new API endpoints, or significant UX improvements.

1.4.2 → 1.5.0 Dark mode added New /export endpoint

🐛

Bug Fixes / Patches

PATCH +1

Backward-compatible bug fixes, security patches, or performance improvements with no new functionality.

1.4.2 → 1.4.3 Fix login crash XSS patch

SemVer Priority Rules

Breaking change present? → Increment MAJOR, reset MINOR and PATCH to 0.

New feature (no breaking)? → Increment MINOR, reset PATCH to 0.

Only bug fixes? → Increment PATCH only.

Nothing selected? → Version unchanged.

Recommended Next Version

v 1.0.0

Version Breakdown

MAJOR

MINOR

PATCH

💡 Select change types on the left to calculate your next version.

Git Commands

$ git tag v1.0.0

$ git push origin v1.0.0

GitHub Release Title Preview

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SemVer Calculator & Release Planner

SemVer Priority Rules

SemVer Calculator &
Release Planner