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3rdparty/sdl/SDL/docs/README-versions.md

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+# Versioning
+
+## Since 3.2.0
+
+SDL follows an "odd/even" versioning policy, similar to GLib, GTK, Flatpak
+and older versions of the Linux kernel:
+
+* If the minor version (second part) and the patch version (third part) is
+    divisible by 2 (for example 3.2.6, 3.4.0), this indicates a version of
+    SDL that is believed to be stable and suitable for production use.
+
+    * In stable releases, the patchlevel or micro version (third part)
+        indicates bugfix releases. Bugfix releases may add small changes
+        to the ABI, so newer patch versions are backwards-compatible but
+        not fully forwards-compatible. For example, programs built against
+        SDL 3.2.0 should work fine with SDL 3.2.8, but programs built against
+        SDL 3.2.8 may not work with 3.2.0.
+
+    * The minor version increases when significant changes are made that
+        require longer development or testing time, e.g. major new functionality,
+        or revamping support for a platform. Newer minor versions are
+        backwards-compatible, but not fully forwards-compatible. For example,
+        programs built against SDL 3.2.x should work fine with SDL 3.4.x,
+        but programs built against SDL 3.4.x may not work with 3.2.x.
+
+* If the minor version (second part) or patch version (third part) is not
+    divisible by 2 (for example 3.2.9, 3.3.x), this indicates a development
+    prerelease of SDL that is not suitable for stable software distributions.
+    Use with caution.
+
+    * The patchlevel or micro version (third part) increases with each prerelease.
+
+    * Prereleases are backwards-compatible with older stable branches.
+        For example, programs built against SDL 3.2.x should work fine with
+        SDL 3.3.x, but programs built against SDL 3.3.x may not work with 3.2.x.
+
+    * Prereleases are not guaranteed to be backwards-compatible with each other.
+        For example, new API or ABI added in 3.3.0 might be removed or changed in
+        3.3.1. If this would be a problem for you, please do not use prereleases.
+
+    * Only use a prerelease if you can guarantee that you will promptly upgrade
+        to the stable release that follows it. For example, do not use 3.3.x
+        unless you will be able to upgrade to 3.4.0 when it becomes available.
+
+    * Software distributions that have a freeze policy (in particular Linux
+        distributions with a release cycle, such as Debian and Fedora)
+        should only package stable releases, and not prereleases.
+