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Semantic Versioning (SemVer) Explained

v1.0.0 vs v1.1.0 vs v2.0.0. What do the numbers mean? Managing dependencies without breaking production.

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TechGyanic

October 25, 2025

Semantic Versioning (SemVer) Explained

package.json: "react": "^18.2.0" What does that caret ^ mean?

The Format: MAJOR.MINOR.PATCH

1.2.3

  1. MAJOR: Breaking changes. (API removed, incompatible).
  2. MINOR: New features, backwards compatible.
  3. PATCH: Bug fixes, backwards compatible.

Dependencies Symbols

  • ~1.2.3: Allow Patch updates. (1.2.4 is ok, 1.3.0 is NOT).
  • ^1.2.3: Allow Minor updates. (1.3.0 is ok, 2.0.0 is NOT). Default.
  • *: Anything (Dangerous).

Why it matters?

If you release a library and change a function name, you MUST bump Major version. If you fix a typo, bump Patch.

Respecting SemVer builds trust. Breaking it breaks the internet.

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