# 011: Version Control in Docs
¡Hola, Tech Writing Friends!
Keeping track of documentation versions is like juggling flaming torches.
Mess it up, and everything goes ablaze.
Today, let’s talk about versioning in documentation—how to manage updates without confusing users (or yourself!).
Why Versioning Matters
Ever searched for documentation, only to realize you're looking at an outdated guide?
Yeah, I hate that.
Versioning solves this problem. It ensures users can find the right information for the version of the product they’re using.
‘Cause remember, folks…
Many users stick to older versions
Not everyone upgrades right away. Your docs should support legacy users too.
You wanna avoid user frustration
Imagine using outdated docs for a new feature. Confusion leads to mistrust.
Team collaboration rocks
Internal teams need clear guidance on what’s live, what’s in development, and what’s deprecated.
How Many Folks Handle Versioning
❌ No versioning at all
This leads to users reading conflicting docs and causing unnecessary support tickets.
❌ Scattered versioned docs
Docs for different versions are hosted on separate pages or sites with no clear navigation.
❌ “Single source of chaos.”
Overwriting docs for new versions leaves no record of changes, confusing everyone.
How to Version Docs Like a Pro
Where there’s a will, there’s a way.
Use Clear Labels
Indicate the version prominently.
Use headers like: API v2.0 Documentation.
Link to Other Versions
Add a dropdown or links to older versions for easy access:
Looking for v1.0? [Click here.]
Version-Specific URLs
Use URLs like: /docs/v1/ and /docs/v2/ .
Create a Change Log
Maintain a log of what’s changed between versions.
Users love transparency.
Use Tools for Automation
Platforms like Docusaurus or Read the Docs make versioning easy with built-in tools.
Pro Tip: Sunset Old Versions
When it’s time to retire an old version:
Add a deprecation warning.
Communicate the timeline for the version’s retirement.
Provide resources to help users upgrade.
Version control is like your favorite pair of sneakers—it keeps everything running smoothly. Don’t skip it!
Hasta luego,
Quetzalli
