Revision vs. Version — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on November 2, 2023
Revision refers to the act of revising, while version denotes a particular form or variant of something.
Difference Between Revision and Version
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Revision often implies the process of revising or improving something, usually a document or work, after initial creation. It suggests changes, edits, or updates made to content or structure. Version, on the other hand, refers to a specific form or variant of something that has been revised or that exists alongside other forms. It can denote a stage of development in the lifecycle of a product or document.
When you make a revision to a document, you are in the act of editing or correcting it. Each change you make can lead to a new version, which is the outcome of these revisions. For example, a revised draft of a manuscript becomes a new version once the changes are finalized. A version can exist without revisions if it’s simply an alternative rather than an update, such as a version of a story told from a different perspective.
Revisions typically focus on the details and quality of the content. A writer might revise a paragraph to improve clarity or correct errors. These revisions accumulate and may result in a new version of the text, such as the second edition of a book. In contrast, a version may refer to a completely different edition or release, such as software version 2.0, which indicates a significant update from version 1.0, incorporating many revisions.
A revision is a step in the process of creation or improvement, whereas a version is the result of this process. You might go through multiple revisions before you are satisfied that you have created a new version. A version is what you present to the world, while the revisions are the behind-the-scenes work that got you there.
The term revision tends to be used when discussing the act of reviewing and altering something, often with the goal of correction or improvement. Version, by contrast, is used when there are multiple iterations or forms of a single entity, highlighting the existence of alternatives or updates. While a revision is the act, a version is the end product of one or multiple revisions.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
An act of revising; a corrected edition.
A particular form or variant of something.
Implication
Improvement or update process.
Distinct iteration or release.
Occurrence
During the development or refinement.
After a revision or as an alternative.
Example
Draft revisions of a document.
Software version 1.1, 2.0, etc.
Purpose
To correct or improve.
To denote a distinct state or option.
Compare with Definitions
Revision
Updated edition of a work.
The textbook’s latest revision includes updated statistics.
Version
A particular form or variant of something.
He preferred the original version of the movie.
Revision
Review for correction or study.
She did a final revision of her notes before the exam.
Version
Distinct iteration of a product.
The latest version of the software has new features.
Revision
Process of revising academic or professional work.
His thesis went through several revisions before submission.
Version
A particular form of something differing in certain respects from an earlier form or other forms of the same type of thing
A revised version of the paper was produced for a later meeting
They make yachts in both standard and master versions
Revision
Act of correcting or improving something.
The revision of her essay resulted in a clearer argument.
Version
An account of a matter from a particular person's point of view
He told her his version of events
Revision
Changes made to documents or plans.
The architect made last-minute revisions to the blueprints.
Version
The manual turning of a fetus in the uterus to make delivery easier.
Revision
The action of revising
The scheme needs drastic revision
Version
Create a new version of
The English curriculum would then be versioned for Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales
Revision
The act or process of revising.
Version
A description or account from one point of view, especially as opposed to another
Your version of the accident differs from mine.
Revision
A revised or new version, as of a book or other written material.
Version
A translation of a text from another language.
Revision
(uncountable) The process of revising:
Version
Often Version A translation of the entire Bible or a part of it.
Revision
The action or process of reviewing, editing and amending.
Version
A particular form or variation of an earlier or original type
Downloaded the latest version of the software.
Revision
The action or process of reviewing something previously learned, especially one′s notes in preparation for a test or examination.
All that last minute revision really paid off in the exam! I got top marks!
Version
An adaptation of a work of art or literature into another medium or style
The film version of a famous novel.
Revision
(countable) A changed edition, or new version; a modification.
Version
Manipulation of a fetus in the uterus to bring it into a desirable position for delivery.
Revision
(countable) A story corrected or expanded by a writer commissioned by the original author.
A revision story
Version
Deflection of an organ, such as the uterus, from its normal position.
Revision
To provide with a new vision.
What philosophy needs is to be revisioned with a more hopeful, engaged inspirational point of view.
Version
To assign a unique number or name to distinct versions of (a file or program, for example).
Revision
The act of revising; reëxamination for correction; review; as, the revision of a book or writing, or of a proof sheet; a revision of statutes.
Version
A specific form or variation of something.
Revision
That which is made by revising.
Version
A translation from one language to another.
It's only in the King James Version of the Bible.
Revision
The act of revising or altering (involving reconsideration and modification);
It would require a drastic revision of his opinion
Version
A school exercise, generally of composition in a foreign language.
Revision
The act of rewriting something
Version
(obsolete) The act of translating, or rendering, from one language into another language.
Revision
Something that has been written again;
The rewrite was much better
Version
An account or description from a particular point of view, especially as contrasted with another account.
He gave another version of the affair.
Version
(computing) A particular revision (of software, firmware, CPU, etc.).
Upgrade to the latest version for new features and bug fixes.
Version
(medicine) A condition of the uterus in which its axis is deflected from its normal position without being bent upon itself. See anteversion and retroversion.
Version
(ophthalmology) An eye movement involving both eyes moving synchronously and symmetrically in the same direction.
Version
A change of form, direction, etc.; transformation; conversion.
External cephalic version is a process by which a breech baby can sometimes be turned from buttocks or foot first to head first.
Version
To keep track of (a file, document, etc.) in a versioning system.
Version
A change of form, direction, or the like; transformation; conversion; turning.
The version of air into water.
Version
A condition of the uterus in which its axis is deflected from its normal position without being bent upon itself. See Anteversion, and Retroversion.
Version
The act of translating, or rendering, from one language into another language.
Version
A translation; that which is rendered from another language; as, the Common, or Authorized, Version of the Scriptures (see under Authorized); the Septuagint Version of the Old Testament.
Version
An account or description from a particular point of view, especially as contrasted with another account; as, he gave another version of the affair.
Version
An interpretation of a matter from a particular viewpoint;
His version of the fight was different from mine
Version
Something a little different from others of the same type;
An experimental version of the night fighter
An emery wheel is a modern variant of the grindstone
The boy is a younger edition of his father
Version
A written work (as a novel) that has been recast in a new form;
The play is an adaptation of a short novel
Version
A written communication in a second language having the same meaning as the written communication in a first language
Version
A mental representation of the meaning or significance of something
Version
Manual turning of a fetus in the uterus (usually to aid delivery)
Version
Alternative form or adaptation.
Her version of the story had a different ending.
Version
State of something at a particular point in time.
The document was saved as version 2.4 after the edits.
Version
Translation or rendition of a work.
The new version of the classic novel was translated into modern English.
Common Curiosities
How do versions relate to software development?
Each release of software is a new version, often including many revisions.
What do you mean by ‘version control’?
It’s a system that records changes to a file or set of files over time so that specific versions can be recalled later.
What is the main difference between a revision and a version?
A revision is the act of making changes; a version is the outcome of those changes or an alternative form.
Can there be multiple versions without revisions?
Yes, if they are different forms of the same thing not based on changes, like stories.
Do revisions always lead to a new version?
Not always; minor revisions may not change the version number.
How do companies number their versions?
It varies, but many use major.minor.patch format to indicate the scale of changes.
Can you have a revision without changing the version number?
Yes, minor revisions often don’t affect the version number.
What’s a historical revision?
It's a reevaluation or amendment of historical understanding or records.
Is a draft considered a revision or a version?
A draft can be considered a version, with each edit during its development being a revision.
Does a new version always mean improvement?
Not necessarily, as versions can simply offer alternatives or updates, not just improvements.
Are all versions the result of revisions?
In many cases, yes, but sometimes versions are separate options or developments without prior revisions.
Is every edit or change considered a revision?
Yes, any change made to improve or correct is a revision.
Can a version exist independently of revisions?
Yes, as in different versions of stories or products not based on edits.
What does ‘revised edition’ mean in publishing?
It means the book has been updated or corrected from its previous editions.
Are revisions applied to creative works like music or art?
Yes, artists and musicians often revise their work, though they may not refer to the outcome as a "version."
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
