Why Changelogs Are Important in the World of Software
There is new software coming out daily, and we are a long way away from seeing a slowdown in this field. But there are also new versions of software that are being released frequently, as technology develops and software needs to be updated. When this happens, developers, project managers and users need to be informed of these changes, by being told precisely what they imply. Here is a closer look at changelogs: The documents in which this information is transmitted to those who need it.
What are Changelogs?
Changelogs are documents that provide a detailed record of the changes made in each version of a software and inside updates as well. They are also produced for the release of a software or the launch of an application. It usually contains a list of new features, bug fixes and a list of the improvements made in the software. There are ways to create changelogs that will ensure that they are being read by the public they are supposed to reach. To understand better how to create a changelog that will be efficient, here are some changelog examples that will clarify how they should be written and presented to readers.
The main goal of changelogs is to keep track of the various updates and changes in software applications. They are important, as they represent the only way that users can understand what has been updated inside them. If users don’t possess this information, they may not understand how to utilize the product anymore, at least not fully. In case a new functionality was to be added without the user’s knowledge, it may well be useless, as no one will be aware of its existence. Therefore, as software evolves and adapts to user demands, it is important to keep changelogs updated to inform users of their new functionality, of the security patches that have been inserted and the fixes of errors and bugs which previously existed and are now resolved.
Who should have Access to Changelogs?
This type of document is created to inform a variety of people. It includes those who work on or with the software and those who use it as well. Here is a list of the various categories of people that should have access to changelogs.
Developers
The changelog is an essential document for developers. It helps them keep track of changes made to the software application, so they know what to work on next. Changelogs can also be useful for developers who are working on multiple projects or need to track the details of changes in different versions of their software for debugging and troubleshooting purposes. They are certainly one of the groups that will refer to changelogs most often.
Project Managers
Software often requires for a large team to work together, especially once it is being used by multiple users. The project managers are the ones that keep it working and regularly updated according to the problems they previously found in it. They use the changelog to stay updated with the modification that has been made to the software, so that the project keeps moving ahead or the software remains fully functional. To do so, they also collaborate with the quality assurance team, which also has access to the changelog.
End Users
Finally, end users also need to have access to the changelog in order to understand the new and improved features that were inserted into the software application. There needs to be an explanation on how to use them as well inside the document. It is important for end users to be made aware of novelties, so that they remain interested in the product.
