What is the difference between a software version and a release?

craigmayer-ga:

The two terms, 'version' and 'release', are used almost
interchangeably by some programmers and software developers. The
formal definition of a release, according to the popular, open-source
'Concurrent Versioning System (CVS)' is:

http://atlas.web.cern.ch/Atlas/GROUPS/SOFTWARE/DOCUMENTS/srt_html/c115177.html

In laypersons terms, a 'release' is the executable/installable package
that is actually delivered to the end-user for use. It has been
'released' to the public.

A 'version' (little 'v') is simply the number that gets iterated every
time a software module has been revised and tested. These software
modules are internal to a software development project. Within a
project, every module may have a different version number. A
particular release will incorporate particular versions of each
module.

Where the confusion comes in, is when Marketing steps into the
picture. You will often see the word 'Version' (usually a capital 'v')
in the name of a product, such as "Matlab Student Version", or "McAfee
VirusScan v4.5.1". When used in a product name, 'version' takes on a
different meaning, used to differentiate between packages that serve
different purposes, or to give the impression that a product is a lot
more stable than it actually is (that is, that the product isn't being
updated on a weekly basis). This may or may not be true, but that's
Marketing for you.

Usually, as a consumer, you will not need to worry about the
'release', you would focus more on buying the right 'Version' for your
needs (note the Marketing definition is implied here). You would then
be able to receive (usually as an online update) the latest 'release'
and all of the functionality and bug fixes that come with it.

Hope this helps!

aht-ga
Google Answers Researcher

This answer really helped clarify things. Thanks!