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Definition: edition


A specific publication of software or a product. Each revision of a book is called an edition, thus, an edition typically refers to its content. With regard to software, there may be a "free edition" that offers a limited number of functions, while the "paid edition" provides the most. There can be several editions of software. For example, Google Workspace is available in Business Starter, Business Standard, Business Plus and Enterprise editions, each offering more features.

Edition--> Version
The terms edition and "version" are used synonymously; however, a version generally refers to an update of a product. For example, version 6 of the Home Edition of an application means that the software has been modified five more times since its inception.

Edition--> Version--> Release
An edition is the top of the hierarchy, and it may have many versions. A version is sometimes called a release; for example, Release 8.5 could be the same as Version 8.5. To add more confusion, there can be a version with subsequent releases; for example, a particular edition of the application could be available as Version 11, Release 4.

  PUBLICATION HIERARCHY

    Edition (or version)

      Version (or release)

        Release