When it comes to versioning in .NET, there are three main attributes that are commonly used: AssemblyVersion, AssemblyFileVersion, and AssemblyInformationalVersion. While they may seem similar, each of these attributes serves a distinct purpose and understanding the differences between them is crucial for any .NET developer.
AssemblyVersion is perhaps the most well-known and frequently used attribute. It is used to specify the version number of an assembly, which is essentially a set of code and resources that make up a .NET application. The version number typically consists of four parts: major, minor, build, and revision. The major and minor versions indicate significant updates to the code, while the build and revision numbers are typically used for bug fixes and minor updates. For example, a version number of 1.2.3.4 would indicate that the assembly is the second major release, with three minor updates and four bug fixes.
On the other hand, AssemblyFileVersion is used to specify the file version of an assembly. This attribute is primarily used for informational purposes and is often displayed in the file properties of an assembly. Unlike AssemblyVersion, the file version does not need to follow a specific format and can be any string value. This makes it useful for providing more detailed information about the assembly, such as the release date or build number.
Finally, there is AssemblyInformationalVersion, which is used to specify the informational version of an assembly. This attribute is similar to AssemblyFileVersion in that it is also used for informational purposes. However, unlike AssemblyFileVersion, AssemblyInformationalVersion is not displayed in the file properties of an assembly. Instead, it is typically used for publishing information about the assembly, such as in the version history or release notes. It can also be used to differentiate between different builds of the same version, such as a beta or release candidate.
So, what are the key differences between these three attributes? While AssemblyVersion and AssemblyFileVersion are both used to specify version numbers, they have different purposes. AssemblyVersion is used for identifying significant updates to the code, while AssemblyFileVersion is used for informational purposes. On the other hand, AssemblyInformationalVersion is used for publishing information about the assembly and can be used to differentiate between different builds of the same version.
Another important difference to note is that AssemblyVersion and AssemblyFileVersion are required for every assembly, while AssemblyInformationalVersion is optional. This means that while you must specify a version number and file version for your assembly, you can choose whether or not to provide an informational version.
In conclusion, understanding the differences between AssemblyVersion, AssemblyFileVersion, and AssemblyInformationalVersion is crucial for any .NET developer. These attributes serve different purposes and knowing when and how to use them can help you better manage your assemblies and provide valuable information to users. So, the next time you're working with .NET versioning, remember to consider which attributes are most appropriate for your application.
