Stable vs. Latest

[QuantKey_Bruce]

I would like to suggest that there be some names associated with the build numbers to reflect their place in the development cycle. Thus, at this moment (Dec 6, 2023), I would characterize:

Latest - 8.1.2.1
--- Previous Latest 8.1.2.0
Stable - 8.1.1.7
--- Previous Stable 8.1.1.6
Prior Minor - 8.0.28.0
--- Previous Prior Minor 8.0.27.0
Prior Major - 7.0.40.0
--- etc.

The current methodology is that there's a "current" download of 8.1.2.1 with previous downloads available of 8.1.1.7 and 8.0.28.0 and 7.0.whatever but they're not really characterized. The thinking would seem to be that all traders should update to the latest version. Yet, what probably is more true is that all traders should update to the latest STABLE version and developers and others who are willing to suffer a bit should be on the LATEST version so they can provide feedback. The LATEST version should become the STABLE version after the passage of time - some months later - when there seem to be no remaining major issues (there will always be issues - but when there are no new show-stoppers relative to the prior STABLE release).

[QuantKey_Bruce]

Again, the PURPOSE of this is to provide guidance so that traders who just want to trade know which one to download - in this case 8.1.1.7 which is the newest STABLE build.

NinjaTrader may desire that as many people as possible always update to the LATEST build so they can provide testing feedback, but that is not what traders want. Traders want stability even if it does not have the latest features.

Right now, traders have no clear way to have it communicated to them that 8.1.1.7 is STABLE while 8.1.2.1 is LATEST - the communications just treat these as being normal consecutive builds.

A LATEST build becomes the STABLE build not by being recompiled and re-built - it becomes the STABLE build when a few months have gone by and no new show-stopper issues have arisen with it that have not been resolved already. At that time, the label is just changed on the download page - it's not a new file.

[NinjaTrader_RyanS]

Hello,

Versions are listed within the helpguide with the latest and previous builds all listed:

https://ninjatrader.com/support/helpGuides/nt8/release_notes.htm

I will note your feedback for changes with the development team.

[QuantKey_Bruce]

NinjaTrader_RyanS Yes, that's true, but on the download page, 8.1.1.7 is just identified as a prior version, not as the stable one.

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[QuantKey_Bruce]

My suggestion would be that giant "download" button should pull the stable version, and there should be one off to the side for "latest" that pulls the latest, above where you have Prior Releases which should show the 8.0.28.0 and 7.0 ones.

[jeronymite]

All good ideas, QuantKey_Bruce. Unlikely to happen though, since labelling something as "STABLE" and the most recent as "LATEST" strongly implies the latest is NOT stable. And that just won't sit comfortably within an organisation that seems reluctant to even refer to anything so "implicitly critical" of it, let alone with implications of "bugs"!

I would also simplify it a bit so there is no need for the "previous" versions. Something like this might be more useful and more easily understood?

Latest (8.1) - 8.1.2.1
Stable (8.1) - 8.1.1.7
Stable (8.0) - 8.0.28.0
Stable (7.0) - 7.0.1000.43

Thanks.