I spent 15 years developing a tool to make sense of software version numbers

26 points by a1tern a day ago

Over 15 years ago, I had a strange idea: what if software version numbers weren’t just arbitrary labels, but followed deeper patterns - almost like coordinates in a space?

I noticed some hidden rules behind how version numbers evolve, and that led me to build something I call CodeCompath: a tool for generating and visualizing software versions based on those rules. It’s a quiet project, not flashy - but to me, it represents a long, slow unfolding of an idea I couldn’t let go of.

Here’s a short demo: https://youtu.be/leL6y5uHXEg

And here’s a longer explanation if you're curious about the thought process: https://youtu.be/8R0HMyHwm-c

I know this is a niche topic, but I’ve put a lot of myself into it over the years. If you’re someone who cares about versioning, patterns, or systems thinking - I’d love to hear your thoughts.

stephenbez 2 hours ago

Yeah I tried to watch the first demo video, but it wasn’t clear to me the problem that this solves and why this is better than some alternatives. It really needs a 60 second elevator pitch.

I don’t know how versions being coordinates in space helps me solve any of my problems.

aristofun 4 hours ago

It would help to explain this in writing. Short few sentences summary explanation “like im a child”.

Otherwise it looks like a complicated solution to an artificial problem nobody care about. With all due respect.

mrngm 6 hours ago

The short, 3 minute, demo [video] is from 2022, the longer explanation video is from 2021.

For the people less inclined to watch a 28 minute explanation video, do you have a text overview of your idea as well?