Prepare Your Upgrade Journey

We have a philosophy that governs upgrading software versions. It reduces risk and saves time. Most teams change versions and packages randomly, see what breaks, and lose their way down a forum rabbit hole. Sound familiar? There’s a better way.

The Importance and Benefits of Upgrading Software

1. Security. Upgrades include security patches that protect your system from vulnerabilities and potential attacks.
2. Performance. New versions offer performance improvements, bug fixes, and optimized features, enhancing the overall efficiency.
3. Compatibility. Ensures your software remains compatible with other systems, frameworks, and dependencies, allowing for seamless integration.
4. Innovation. Upgrades introduces new features, functionalities, and tools that can enhance your productivity and open up new possibilities.

The Version^ Approach to Upgrades

1. Know Your Support Structure. Before making any changes to your code, learn about your software’s dependency structure. Version^ shows you how packages rely on one another. Changing packages in isolation will probably cause your software to break. Avoid the “whac-a-mole” frustration. Instead, let Version^ demonstrate even the most complex inter-dependencies.


2. Monitor Modules. Stay informed about module deprecations and recommended alternatives. Version^ provides deprecation data specific to your potential version upgrade. You’ll also see future deprecations, which can help you plan. We link to the documentation for your convenience. Anticipate code changes to adapt to deprecated modules, ensuring that your software remains compatible and avoids breaking changes.


3. Read Up. Release notes accompany new software versions. These include the motivation behind changes and can be very helpful in adapting your code.


4. Stay in Control. Use version control systems like Git to track changes and create a backup of your code. This allows you to revert to the previous version easily if any issues arise during the upgrade. Also, create a separate branch for your upgrade.


5. Prepare for the Test. Do a coverage test for your current test suite. Then, see which of your tests will be affected by the new version. Upgrade your test suite first. That way, you can test changes in your application after your upgrade. Soon, Version^ will manage this process for you as well as commit necessary changes to your upgrade branch.


6. Walk, Don’t Run. You may find yourself several versions behind. If you're upgrading through multiple versions, take a step-by-step approach. Upgrade to intermediate versions one at a time, addressing any issues in each iteration.

The Version^ approach mitigates risks, minimizes downtime, and supports a smooth software upgrade. It allows you to stay in control of the process and confidently manage the changes, resulting in a more stable and optimized software environment. Remember, software upgrades are an ongoing process, and adopting a disciplined approach ensures that your software remains up-to-date, secure, and capable of leveraging the latest advancements in technology.