CODEWITHSUNDEEP
php
Twifty
Twifty

Reputation: 3378

Multiple PHP versions released on same day

I have just noticed the banner across the top of php.net, stating that PHP 7.0.20 has been released. I thought it a bit strange since I'm using PHP 7.1.5. Following the link has left me very confused.

Is there any significance to 7.1.5 version number and it being released on the same day as 7.0.19 and being released before the lesser version of 7.0.20?

I can understand them skipping the whole 6.x.x, but the current 7.x.x version seem to be just mishmashed.

Upvotes: 1

Views: 52

Answers (2)

axiac
axiac

Reputation: 72177

There are currently three versions of PHP under development and support: 5.6 (security fixes only), 7.0 and 7.1 (active development and support).

They go in parallel and many times patch versions (when the 3rd component of the version changes) are released for all three of them on the same day. Such releases fix bugs or security issues and it is normal to be fixed on all currently supported versions.

Upvotes: 0

MrCode
MrCode

Reputation: 64526

In the development of PHP, the middle number is a significant version change where new features or breaking changes can occur. Due to this, the previous version is still maintained with bug fixes and security updates.

Consider you had a production server running PHP 7.0.19. When there is a bug fix or security release (7.0.20), you may only want those updates, you don't necessarily want a major version update up to 7.1 on your production server that could cause errors due to breaking changes or removed features.

Upvotes: 2

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