7.13 Versioning Packages

You can create a new version of a package to provide bug fixes or enhancements to released packages. Versioned packages contain the same unique global identifier to support upgrading and downgrading package installations.

The version of a package consists of four parts separated by dots: [Major Version][Minor Version][Patch Version][Package Creation Time Stamp]. The version number parts should be used as follows:

  • Major Version: You should increment the major version if you introduce a major feature in the new version of a package.

  • Minor Version: You should increment the minor version if you introduce a minor or small feature in the new version of a package.

  • Patch Version: You should increment the patch version if you make a small modification to a package.

  • Package Creation Time Stamp: Designer automatically adds the time stamp when you create a new package and updates the time stamp each time you build the package. When you release a package, the time stamp is fixed.

To create a new version of a package:

  1. In the package catalog, right-click the package you want to version, then click New Package Version.

  2. Set the version of the package higher than the current version. All of the other fields stay the same when you are changing the version.

  3. Click Next.

  4. Modify the package constraints, if necessary, then click Next.

  5. Modify the vendor information, if necessary, then click Next.

  6. Review the summary of the new package version, then click Finish.

The new package with the new version number is created in the package catalog. You can now build and release your package. When users install the package, what ever language Designer is using, this is the language that the package is installed in.