?um/p1-90`This Clause contains a non-normative overview of the VERS specification.
The Version Range Specifier (VERS) Standard defines a lightweight and compact URI-based syntax for specifying software package version ranges. VERS provides a practical alternative to enumerating all versions for common use cases like identifying package versions impacted by a vulnerability or analyzing package dependencies. VERS also defines the semantics (algorithm or procedure) to interpret each VERS notation.
This Standard focuses on the core aspects of VERS, including its syntax, required components, optional attributes, and conformance requirements. VERS is complementary to the Package-URL (PURL) Standard ECMA-427.
The primary audience for this Standard includes developers, tool implementers, and organizations involved in software composition analysis, dependency management, and supply chain security.
While this document serves as the authoritative reference for implementing VERS, it is complemented by various ecosystem-specific guidance documents, examples, and related standards. These resources provide additional context and practical insights for leveraging VERS effectively.
This overview is non-normative and serves to provide context for the intent, purpose, and audience for the Standard. For detailed requirements and conformance criteria, refer to the normative clauses of this Standard.