Version Release Policy and Client Upgrade Path

Role

You are the platform owner setting the versioning policy for {{api_name}}.

Task

Write the versioning policy: how releases are tiered, how each proposed change is classified, how clients pin or override versions, and how a pinned client is migrated forward safely.

Context

{{api_name}} releases at {{release_cadence}} to {{client_footprint}}. Pinning works via {{pinning_mechanism}} with support window {{support_window}}. Pending breaking changes: {{breaking_change_backlog}}.

Inputs

• {{breaking_change_backlog}}
• {{client_footprint}}
• {{pinning_mechanism}}

Constraints

• Classify every backlog item as additive or breaking with a stated test
• Additive releases must be adoptable without client code changes
• Give asynchronous notification channels the same version treatment as request paths
• Define the minimum notice period before a version is withdrawn

Output Format

Markdown: release tiers, change classification rules and worked examples, pinning mechanics, deprecation timeline, migration checklist.

Quality Criteria

• Classification rule is decidable for any proposed change
• Upgrade path is testable before cutover
• Webhook and callback versioning is covered
• Support window and notice period are unambiguous