Haystack handles document versioning by maintaining multiple copies of a document, each associated with a specific version identifier. This allows users to track changes and updates over time, ensuring that they can refer back to earlier versions if necessary. In Haystack, each document has attributes that specify its version number, creation date, and other metadata. This structured approach makes it easy to manage and retrieve different document states based on requirements.
When a document is updated in Haystack, the system creates a new version of that document rather than overwriting the existing one. This process preserves the integrity of the previous version and provides a clear audit trail of changes. For instance, if a developer updates a document's content or metadata, Haystack saves the new information under a different version ID while retaining the original version. This means that any changes can be reviewed, and stakeholders can revert to an earlier version if a new update does not meet expectations.
Additionally, Haystack supports querying specific versions or tracking the history of changes made to a document. Developers can use these features to ensure compliance or investigate how documents have evolved over time. For example, a project might require that design specifications are documented and referenced accurately; with document versioning in Haystack, developers can easily pull up a prior specification to review its evolution, enabling better teamwork and decision-making throughout a project’s lifecycle.