FAIRsharing record for: FAIR Principles for Research Software - F1.2. Different versions of the software are assigned distinct identifiers

This FAIRsharing record describes: 'F1.2. Different versions of the software are assigned distinct identifiers' states that to make different versions of the same software (or component) findable, each version needs to be assigned a different identifier. The relationship between versions is embodied in the associated metadata. What is considered a “version” is defined by the owner of the software: in many cases this will be something that the owner wants to specifically identify and use and/or “release” or “publish” so that others can use and reference/cite. There are existing software engineering practices (e.g., version control, semantic versioning) around the management and versioning of software that may form part of the implementation of these relationships. Capturing the relationships between different versions of software will lead to greater understanding of the evolution of code, its authorship, ownership, description and purpose, amongst other things.