Semantic Versioning

WAMR has adopted semantic versioning to replace the former date versioning system. The new version string consists of three parts:

• major: Any change that is not compatible with previous versions, affecting either the ABI or APIs, will result in an increase in the major version number. APIs include: wasm_export.h, wasm_c_api.h, sections in AOT files, among others.
• minor: This number increases with the addition of new features. This encompasses not only MVP (Minimum Viable Product) or POST-MVP features but also WebAssembly System Interface (WASI) features and WAMR-specific features.
• patch: This number is incremented for patches.

Legacy releases

All previous versions (tags) will retain their current status. There will be no changes to existing release names and links.

Release Process

WAMR has been deployed across various devices. A frequent release cycle would strain customers' testing resources and add extra deployment work. Two factors can trigger a new WAMR release:

• Community requests, particularly following the integration of significant and new features.
• Security vulnerabilities and critical bug fixes that ensure correctness.

Patch releases will be made only to address security vulnerabilities and critical issues related to default behavior in prior releases.

Once a release decision has been made:

• Create a PR that:
  1. Modifies build-scripts/version.cmake.
  2. Executes cmake configuration to update the version.
  3. Updates RELEASE_NOTES.md.
• A checklist of the PR includes
  • build-scripts/version.cmake
  • core/version.h
  • RELEASE_NOTES.md
• Once the PR is merged, create a new tag.
• Initiate the release process by triggering the binary release processes in Actions.