GNU Info

(mysql.info)Many versions

---

Next: MySQL binaries Prev: Installation layouts Up: General Installation Issues

---

Enter node , (file) or (file)node

How and When Updates Are Released
---------------------------------

MySQL is evolving quite rapidly here at MySQL AB and we want to share
this with other MySQL users.  We try to make a release when we have
very useful features that others seem to have a need for.

We also try to help out users who request features that are easy to
implement.  We take note of what our licensed users want to have, and
we especially take note of what our extended e-mail supported customers
want and try to help them out.

No one has to download a new release.  The News section will tell you if
the new release has something you really want.  Note: News.

We use the following policy when updating MySQL:

   * For each minor update, the last number in the version string is
     incremented.  When there are major new features or minor
     incompatibilities with previous versions, the second number in the
     version string is incremented.  When the file format changes, the
     first number is increased.

   * Stable tested releases are meant to appear about 1-2 times a year,
     but if small bugs are found, a release with only bug fixes will be
     released.

   * Working releases are meant to appear about every 1-8 weeks.

   * Binary distributions for some platforms will be made by us for
     major releases.  Other people may make binary distributions for
     other systems but probably less frequently.

   * We usually make patches available as soon as we have located and
     fixed small bugs.

   * For non-critical but annoying bugs, we will make patches available
     if they are sent to us.  Otherwise we will combine many of them
     into a larger patch.

   * If there is, by any chance, a fatal bug in a release we will make
     a new release as soon as possible.  We would like other companies
     to do this, too.

The current stable release is Version 3.23; We have already moved active
development to Version 4.0.  Bugs will still be fixed in the stable
version.  We don't believe in a complete freeze, as this also leaves
out bug fixes and things that "must be done."  "Somewhat frozen" means
that we may add small things that "almost surely will not affect
anything that's already working."