What is versioning.mdx?

versioning.mdx is a special kind of file that combines regular text (usually written in Markdown) with interactive code components (using JSX). It is used to create documentation pages that explain how a software project handles versioning - the process of assigning numbers or names to different releases of the code. The “.mdx” extension tells tools that the file can contain both plain Markdown and embedded React components, making the documentation richer and more dynamic.

Let's break it down

  • MDX: Think of it as Markdown plus the ability to insert small pieces of JavaScript/React code. It lets you write simple text and, when needed, add interactive widgets.
  • Versioning: This is the practice of labeling each release of a project (e.g., 1.0.0, 1.1.0, 2.0.0). It helps developers and users know what features, bug fixes, or breaking changes are included.
  • versioning.mdx file: Inside this file you’ll typically find sections that explain the versioning scheme (like Semantic Versioning), tables that list past releases, and maybe live examples that show how to upgrade from one version to another.

Why does it matter?

  • Clarity: Users can quickly understand which version they are using and what changes each new version brings.
  • Safety: Clear versioning helps avoid accidental upgrades that could break a project.
  • Collaboration: Teams can coordinate work better when everyone knows the exact state of the codebase.
  • Automation: Tools can read version numbers from the documentation to trigger builds, deployments, or alerts.

Where is it used?

  • Open‑source libraries: Many projects host their docs on sites like Docusaurus or GitBook, and they often write versioning guides in versioning.mdx.
  • Internal company wikis: Teams may use MDX to keep internal release notes and upgrade instructions up to date.
  • API documentation portals: When an API evolves, versioning.mdx pages explain deprecated endpoints and new features.
  • Static site generators: Platforms that support MDX (e.g., Next.js, Gatsby) can render versioning.mdx as part of the site’s navigation.

Good things about it

  • Interactive: You can embed live code snippets, dropdowns, or version selectors directly in the page.
  • Consistent styling: Because it’s part of the same MDX system, the look and feel match the rest of the documentation.
  • Easy to write: If you already know Markdown, adding MDX features is a small learning step.
  • Reusable components: Once you build a version table component, you can reuse it across many docs without rewriting the same HTML.

Not-so-good things

  • Learning curve for React: To use the JSX parts, you need at least a basic understanding of React, which can be intimidating for non‑developers.
  • Build complexity: The site needs a build step (Webpack, Vite, etc.) to transform MDX into HTML, adding extra configuration.
  • Potential over‑engineering: For very simple projects, a plain Markdown file might be enough; MDX could be overkill.
  • Debugging can be tricky: Errors in embedded components may not show up clearly in the final page, making troubleshooting harder.