What is meant by Versioning?

Versioning refers to the process of managing and tracking different versions of a document, file, software, or data set over time. Each change or edit to the item results in the creation of a new version, and each version is typically numbered or dated to uniquely identify it. Versioning is used to track the history of changes and allows users to refer back to previous versions or understand the evolution of the element.

Software that provides versioning capabilities allows users to track changes to documents or data and access previous versions.

Functions that can be mapped

Automatic versioning: the software automatically records any change to a document or data set and creates a new version.
Version number or timestamp: Each version is typically assigned a unique version number or timestamp to identify it.
User tracking: The software records which user made the changes to clarify accountability.
Access control: The software provides features to control who can access specific versions or make changes.
Comments and notes: Users can add comments or notes to changes to explain the reason for the change or provide notes for other users.
Compare functions: Users can compare different versions of a document or record to identify the specific changes.
Restore from previous versions: Users can access and restore previous versions of the document or record if they need to undo changes.
Audit log: The software creates an audit trail or change log that documents the entire history of changes.

Versioning is used in many areas, including software development, document management, content management, database management, and more.