VersionEdit Concepts

What is a Version Resource?

A Version Resource is one of several resource types defined for Windows executable file types (applications, dynamic link libraries, drivers, fonts, and others). The version resource includes information that identifies the version, language, and distribution of the file.

How Are Version Resources Created?

Version resources are created during development of the application by compiling a resource (source) file and binding it to the executable. Some development environments, like Microsoft’s Visual C++, let developers enter specific information into the version resource. Others, like Sybase’s PowerBuilder, enter its own information.

Why Do Version Resources Need to be Updated Regularly?

Applications are properly deployed only with careful consideration of the versions of their component parts. For example, if an application will use a particular DLL that may or not already be installed on a system, the valid release level of the DLL must be known and specified. If an older release of the DLL is found during the installation of the application, the installation procedure may choose to update it, display a warning message, backup the old release, etc. Version resources are the only valid indication of the release level of a program. In contrast, file sizes and dates are not reliable for this purpose; other techniques will not be standard when integrating with other software.