Version Best Practices

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Version Best Practices

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Version Best Practices #

Guidelines for managing versions effectively.

Testing Before Release #

Minimum Testing #

  • Install on clean WordPress (minimum supported version)
  • Activate and verify no errors
  • Test core functionality
  • Test on maximum supported WP version too

    • Better Testing #

  • Test on minimum PHP version
  • Test on maximum PHP version
  • Test with common plugins (WooCommerce, etc.)
  • Test upgrade from previous version
  • Have beta testers try it

    • Best Testing #

  • All of the above, plus:
  • Automated testing (if you have test suite)
  • Staged rollout (10% of customers first)
  • Monitor for 24-48 hours before wider release

    • File Naming Conventions #

    Be consistent:

    GoodBad
    pro-plugin-1.0.0.zipProPlugin1.0.0.zip
    pro-plugin-1.1.0.zippro-plugin-v1.1.0.zip
    pro-plugin-2.0.0.zipproplugin-2.0.0-final.zip

    Why: Customers can see version at a glance, automatic update checkers can parse version numbers.

    Support Lifecycle Planning #

    Example policy:

    PhaseDurationSupport Level
    Full support1 year after releaseBug fixes + features
    Security updates2 years after releaseSecurity only
    End of Life (EOL)After 2 yearsNo support

    Communicate clearly:

    • In documentation
    • On download page
    • In customer portal
    • When version nears EOL

    Key Reminders #

    • Save the version record first, then attach files
    • Test thoroughly before publishing
    • Write changelogs customers can understand
    • Use semantic versioning consistently
    • Keep old versions available but marked deprecated
    • Monitor downloads for unusual patterns
    • Communicate support lifecycle clearly

    Related Topics #

    • [Managing Version Files](#)
    • [Semantic Versioning](#)
    • [Writing Good Changelogs](#)
    • [Publishing a Version](#)

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