For software programs, a point release is called small, or minor, release of the software. The point release may fix bugs or clean up minor issues. It can include new features on more rare occasions, but feature release is usually reserved for major software releases instead. Point releases are often made available fairly frequently, unlike major releases, which may occur once every few months or years.
For retail software, a point release may be made available for free only to customers who have purchased a full version of the software. Distinguishing a point release from a major release is usually done by looking at the release version number. Point releases are usually done by incrementing a number after the decimal point, like 4.1, 4.2, and 4.3. Major releases increment the number before the decimal point, like 4.0, 5.0, and 6.0.
Point, Release, Software terms, Version
