It seems some people are having issues following the conventions we've been using for development tests and pre-releases, so I'd like to reiterate them for all.
The version of a portable app is always the same as the version of the app being packaged. So if you're packaging Acme 2.5, it's gonna be Acme Portable 2.5.
For Development Tests and Pre-Releasese the Dev Test or Pre-Release number increments with each release. So, if you're working on Acme Portable 2.5 Development Test 6 and make a fix based on feedback and release a new version, it should be Acme Portable 2.5 Development Test 7. Same with a Pre-Release.... Acme Portable 2.5 Pre-Release 1 becomes Acme Portable 2.5 Pre-Release 2.
We do not do revisions with pre-releases. Revisions are only when we have an existing release and we need to release a new version due to a bug or major change to the launcher/installer but the base app is unchanged. So, if Acme Portable 2.5 was already released in the portable apps directory and we find a big bug that needs fixing, we'd release Acme Portable 2.5 Revision 2. If the changes were big enough to need a public test before release, it would be Acme Portable 2.5 Revision 2 Pre-Release 1.
The name of the installer should always include all this information. Acme_Portable_2.5_PRERELEASE_2.paf.exe.
The forum topic should always include all this information. "Acme Portable 2.5 Pre-Release 2".
This should help keep things consistent.
if Acme App was updated the version 2.6 then the numbering would restart at 1, e.g. Acme App 2.6 Development Test 1.
Makes sense but help me understand.
When is a Development Tests/"dev" alpha quality and when is it beta. I always get confused by this.
or are Development Tests "alpha"
and Pre-Releaseses "Beta"
I'm so confused![Sad](https://portableapps.com/sites/all/modules/smiley/packs/kolobok/sad.gif)
![Wink](https://portableapps.com/sites/all/modules/smiley/packs/kolobok/wink.gif)
But I'm sure I'm not the only one
Tim
Things have got to get better, they can't get worse, or can they?
Development Tests are alpha or beta quality. There is no distinction.
Pre-Releases are essentially release candidates. They have been vetted by the community and experienced developers.
We do not use the terms Alpha and Beta in connection with our packages as those are used by the base apps.
And this is all explained right on the Test Releases page:
https://portableapps.com/development/test
Sometimes, the impossible can become possible, if you're awesome!