Zar Labs
Workflow versioning and backwards compatibility
Last reviewed: 2026-09-28
Executive summary
Never break in-flight workflows. Version definitions, keep handlers backwards compatible, and migrate deliberately.
Practical rules
- Additive changes preferred
- Pin running instances to versions
- Test replay/migration paths
Pros & cons
Pros
- Safer deploys
- Fewer production incidents
Cons / watch-outs
- Requires discipline
Comparison
| Change type | Safety |
|---|---|
| Additive field | Usually safe |
| Remove step | Dangerous in-flight |
Frequently asked questions
Does Temporal help with versioning?
Yes — versioning APIs exist. See /services/temporal-workflow-development.
Ready to scope your build?
Share goals, stack constraints, and timeline. We’ll respond with a discovery path and phased estimate.