# Metadata Versioning

OpenMetadata maintains the version history for all entities using a number with the format _major.minor_, starting with 0.1 as the initial version of an entity.

Changes in metadata result in version changes as follows:

* Backward **compatible** changes result in a Minor version change. A change in the description, tags, or ownership will increase the version of the entity metadata by 0.1 (e.g., from 0.1 to 0.2).
* Backward **incompatible** changes result in a Major version change. For example, when a column in a table is deleted, the version increases by 1.0 (e.g., from 0.2 to 1.2).

Metadata versioning helps **simplify debugging processes**. View the version history to see if a recent change led to a data issue. Data owners and admins can review changes and revert if necessary.

Versioning also helps in **broader collaboration** among consumers and producers of data. Admins can provide access to more users in the organization to change certain fields. Crowdsourcing makes metadata the collective responsibility of the entire organization.

![](<../.gitbook/assets/versioning-wrapping-text.2021-11-17 16\_29\_01.gif>)