Version Compatibility Matrix

Version compatibility matrix documents which versions of different packages, frameworks, and tools work together. For design systems, matrices help consumers understand supported configurations and make informed decisions about upgrades. Clear compatibility documentation prevents confusion and reduces support burden.

What Is a Version Compatibility Matrix

A version compatibility matrix is a table or document showing which versions are compatible with each other. For design systems, this typically includes design system version, framework versions (React, Vue, Angular), build tool requirements, and browser support.

Matrices answer questions like: “Does design system 5.x work with React 17?” or “Which version should I use with Node 16?” Providing clear answers reduces consumer confusion and support requests.

How Version Compatibility Matrices Work

Creating and maintaining compatibility matrices involves documenting tested combinations and updating as versions change. Useful matrices are accurate, complete, and accessible.

Content definition determines what to include. Core elements typically include design system versions, supported framework versions, peer dependency ranges, Node.js requirements, and browser support. Additional elements might include TypeScript versions, build tool versions, or integration requirements.

Format presentation affects usability. Tables work well for simple relationships. More complex compatibility might use nested structures or multiple tables. The format should help consumers find relevant information quickly.

Maintenance processes keep matrices current. New releases require matrix updates. Dropping support for old versions requires updates. Automated testing can verify claimed compatibility remains accurate.

Visibility ensures consumers find the matrix. Documentation sites, README files, and release notes should reference compatibility information. Consumers should encounter compatibility information before installation.

Key Considerations

• Include all commonly needed compatibility information
• Keep matrices updated with each release
• Test claimed compatibility combinations
• Make matrices easily findable in documentation
• Consider tooling to automate matrix generation

Common Questions

What should be included in a design system compatibility matrix?

Essential elements provide the most frequently needed information. Additional elements address specific consumer contexts.

Framework versions are typically most important. For a React design system, showing which React versions each design system version supports is critical. Ranges like “React 17.x or 18.x” provide clear guidance.

Peer dependency requirements should be explicit. Beyond frameworks, other peer dependencies like styled-components versions or TypeScript requirements affect installation.

Node.js requirements matter for build processes. Specifying minimum Node versions helps consumers configure CI/CD and development environments.

Browser support defines runtime compatibility. Listing supported browsers and versions helps consumers understand what environments the design system targets.

Build tool compatibility may be relevant. If the design system has specific requirements or known issues with certain bundler versions, documenting these helps consumers avoid problems.

How can compatibility testing be automated?

Automation helps verify compatibility claims and catch regressions. Several approaches enable automated compatibility testing.

Matrix testing in CI runs tests across multiple configurations. GitHub Actions’ matrix strategy or similar features in other CI systems enable testing against multiple framework versions, Node versions, and browsers.

Installation testing verifies packages install correctly. Automated tests that install the design system with different peer dependency versions catch installation issues.

Runtime testing validates functionality works. Running component tests with different framework versions ensures compatibility is functional, not just installable.

Documentation generation can derive matrices from test results. If testing comprehensively covers compatibility, generating matrices from passing test configurations ensures accuracy.

Summary

Version compatibility matrices document which versions work together, helping consumers understand supported configurations. Matrices should include framework versions, peer dependencies, Node requirements, and browser support. Regular maintenance and automated testing ensure matrices remain accurate and useful.