This quiz challenges your understanding of key principles behind app versioning, semantic versioning, release management best practices, and related terminology. Strengthen your foundational knowledge for software updates, deployment strategies, and maintaining version histories.
Which of the following best describes the correct format of semantic versioning commonly used in software releases?
Explanation: The accepted format for semantic versioning is MAJOR.MINOR.PATCH, where each segment is separated by a dot. 'FIRST.SECOND.THIRD' and 'PRIMARY.SECONDARY.FIX' are incorrect as they use non-standard naming. 'MAJOR-MINOR-PATCH' uses hyphens instead of dots, which is not the convention. Standardization ensures clarity for both developers and users.
When an app developer releases a patch update changing the version from 2.3.4 to 2.3.5, what kind of changes should this typically represent?
Explanation: In semantic versioning, increasing the patch number indicates that only backward-compatible bug fixes were applied. Major new features or redesigns would require an increment to the minor or major numbers, respectively. Significant breaking changes would be reflected by a change in the major version, not the patch.
What is usually meant by an app marked as a 'release candidate' version?
Explanation: A release candidate (often labeled as 'RC') is a potential final product, ready for testing before a public release. It is not an outdated version or a prototype. Versions with internal test features or those scheduled for deprecation are typically labeled differently, such as 'alpha' or 'legacy.'
Between versions 4.5.1 and 4.5.10, which is the newer release?
Explanation: In semantic versioning, numbers are compared from left to right; '10' is greater than '1', making 4.5.10 a newer version than 4.5.1. '4.5.1' is an earlier patch. 'They are the same' and 'Cannot be determined' are incorrect, as the numbers follow clear ordering rules.
Which scenario would most appropriately require the major version number to be incremented from 1.5.2 to 2.0.0?
Explanation: Incrementing the major version signifies breaking changes that are not compatible with older versions. Spelling fixes, small features, or minor bug corrections only affect patch or minor numbers. These smaller changes do not warrant a major release, which signals to users that adaptation may be needed.
What is the main reason to include a changelog with each software release?
Explanation: Changelogs document updates, fixes, and features, keeping users and developers informed about the changes in each release. They do not affect download size or directly improve performance. User engagement is not their primary goal; transparency and communication are.
In a continuous deployment strategy, how are version numbers typically managed?
Explanation: With continuous deployment, version numbers are incremented automatically to keep track of frequent changes. They do not decrease or remain static, as ongoing development requires version updates for clarity. Using random letters is not standard practice for versioning.
If a critical bug is discovered after a new app version is released, what is a common immediate step in release management?
Explanation: Rolling back to the previous stable version quickly restores app functionality while the bug is addressed. Ignoring bugs or removing versioning is unprofessional and risky. Adjusting the font size does not solve software defects or release issues.
Which of the following versioning mistakes can cause an app store to reject an update submission?
Explanation: App stores often require each submission to have a unique, incremented version number. Using the same version number as earlier releases can lead to rejection, as it causes confusion and management issues. Including features or fixing security bugs are not versioning mistakes, nor is removing old files.
What does an increase in the minor version (e.g., from 3.2.5 to 3.3.0) generally indicate regarding the app's changes?
Explanation: A minor version increment reflects new features that do not break existing functionality. Major breaking changes would require a major version update. Bug-only updates would increment the patch version, and a full visual redesign might or might not warrant a minor or major increment, depending on compatibility.