<@U0A71G31CDV> which version is stable to use in p...
# questions-and-troubleshooting
a
@Rocky which version is stable to use in production?
r
As of August 2026, the recommended stable versions for production use are: *1. Recommended Stable Version: 3.5.x* * Current Status: Explicitly labeled as the "Stable" branch in official release channels. * Latest Patch: v3.5.20 (as of late July 2026). * Why use it: This version has undergone the most extensive testing and has a high number of patch releases, making it ideal for core production workloads where stability is the highest priority. *2. Latest Major Production Version: 4.0.x* * Current Status: Generally Available (GA). * Latest Patch: v4.0.14 (released August 11, 2026). * Why use it: Version 4.0 has been in the market since October 2025. It introduces significant performance improvements (e.g., 60% faster query execution) and is considered stable for production after nearly a year of patch refinements. Choose this if you need features like native Iceberg table writes or Decimal256 support. *3. Long-Term Support (LTS): 3.3.x* * Current Status: Older LTS. * Latest Patch: v3.3.22. * Note: While v3.3 was previously designated as an LTS version, it is now approaching the end of its typical support cycle (StarRocks typically maintains the three latest minor versions). Summary Table Version | Maturity | Recommended For 3.5.20 | Stable | Standard production environments. 4.0.14 | GA | New projects requiring the latest performance optimizations. 4.1.3 | Latest | Early adopters and testing new features (e.g., simplified cluster management). Recommendation: For a new production deployment today, v3.5.20 is the safest choice for maximum stability, while v4.0.14 is recommended if you want to leverage more modern architectural features. Always ensure you are on the latest patch version (the third digit) of whichever minor branch you choose to include all critical bug fixes. References • introduction/maturity.md • developers/versions.md • release_notes/release-3.4.md • release_notes/release-3.3.md
a
@Rocky When version 4 being stable like 3.5?
r
Version 4.0 is already considered Generally Available (GA) and production-ready, but it hasn't yet replaced the v3.5 branch as the primary "Stable" recommendation. Based on StarRocks' release patterns, here is when you can expect version 4 to reach that same "Stable" status: *1. Expected Timeline: Late 2026* StarRocks typically maintains the three most recent minor versions. As of August 2026, those are 3.5, 4.0, and 4.1. * The Transition: A version branch typically takes over the "Stable" label once it has matured through many patch cycles (usually 10+) and a newer minor version (like 4.2) is released. * Prediction: Expect v4.0 or v4.1 to be designated as the primary "Stable" branch around October/November 2026, coinciding with the expected release of version 4.2. *2. Current Maturity Comparison* * v3.5.20 (Stable): This is the current "conservative" choice. It has the most "mileage" in diverse production environments and the highest patch count, which is why it holds the Stable label. * v4.0.14 (GA): This is highly stable and used in production by many "early majority" users. With 14 patch releases, most initial major-version bugs have been resolved. It is stable enough for production if you need its specific features (like Decimal256 or native Iceberg writes). * v4.1.3 (Latest): This is the "feature-rich" version. It is stable for production but recommended for users who need the newest capabilities (like adaptive layout) and are comfortable with a faster patch cycle. Summary Recommendation * If you want "3.5-level" stability now: Stick with v3.5.20. * If you are starting a new project: It is often better to start with v4.0.14 today. By the time your project goes live in a few months, the 4.x branch will likely be the official "Stable" version, saving you from a major version upgrade shortly after launch. Note: Always use the latest patch version (the third digit) for any branch you choose, as these contain critical stability and security fixes. References • introduction/maturity.md • developers/versions.md • release_notes/release-4.0.md • release_notes/release-4.1.md References • developers/versions.md • introduction/maturity.md • introduction/versioning.md • release_notes/release-4.0.md