Version Lockstep

Version lockstep coordinates design system package versions to ensure compatibility and simplify consumer experience. While similar to fixed versioning, lockstep can apply to subsets of packages or use coordination strategies beyond identical version numbers. The goal is ensuring related packages remain compatible.

What Is Version Lockstep

Version lockstep is a coordination strategy ensuring related packages maintain compatible versions. Packages may have identical versions (strict lockstep) or coordinated ranges that guarantee compatibility (loose lockstep). The key is that package relationships are managed intentionally rather than independently.

Lockstep addresses the challenge of packages that must work together. A component library depending on a token library must use compatible versions. Lockstep ensures that when consumers install packages, they get versions designed to work together.

How Version Lockstep Works

Lockstep implementation varies from strict identical versions to coordinated compatibility policies. Understanding the spectrum helps teams choose appropriate approaches.

Strict lockstep maintains identical versions across packages. This is equivalent to fixed versioning. All packages are always at the same version, guaranteeing compatibility.

Coordinated lockstep maintains compatible but not identical versions. Packages are released together with versions that satisfy each other’s dependency specifications. Package A version 5.0.0 might release alongside Package B version 3.0.0, with each referencing compatible peer dependency ranges.

Policy-based lockstep defines compatibility rules without strict version matching. For example, packages within the same major version are compatible. Consumers can mix Package A 3.x with Package B 3.x freely.

Tooling enforces lockstep policies. Automated checks verify that new versions maintain required compatibility. Release processes ensure coordinated versions publish together.

Key Considerations

• Define lockstep scope clearly (all packages, subsets, or tiers)
• Document compatibility guarantees for consumers
• Automate compatibility verification
• Consider implications for release cadence
• Balance coordination overhead with compatibility benefits

Common Questions

How does lockstep affect release flexibility?

Lockstep creates dependencies between package releases that affect when and how packages can be released. Understanding these constraints helps teams plan effectively.

Strict lockstep requires all packages to release together. A change to any package triggers release of all packages. This simplifies compatibility but reduces flexibility to release individual packages.

Coordinated lockstep allows some independent releases. Packages can release independently as long as they maintain compatibility commitments. A patch release to Package A does not require releasing Package B if compatibility is maintained.

Breaking changes require special coordination. If Package A needs a breaking change, lockstep may require Package B to update its dependency range or release simultaneously. This coordination adds release planning complexity.

Teams must balance coordination overhead with compatibility benefits. Strict lockstep maximizes compatibility confidence but minimizes flexibility. Looser approaches provide more flexibility but require more careful compatibility management.

When should design systems use lockstep?

Lockstep is most valuable when packages have strong interdependencies and consumers typically use multiple packages together. Several factors suggest lockstep is appropriate.

Tight coupling indicates lockstep value. If packages frequently change together or have many cross-references, lockstep ensures coordinated evolution.

Consumer usage patterns matter. If consumers typically install multiple packages and expect them to work together without compatibility concerns, lockstep delivers that experience.

Breaking change frequency affects the decision. If packages frequently have breaking changes that affect each other, lockstep ensures these are coordinated.

Team structure influences appropriateness. A single team managing all packages can coordinate lockstep more easily than multiple teams with different priorities.

Summary

Version lockstep coordinates package versions to ensure compatibility. Approaches range from strict identical versions to looser coordination policies. Lockstep simplifies consumer experience by guaranteeing related packages work together, trading off release flexibility for compatibility confidence.