How should I version an ASP.NET Web Site project?

Question

I've got an ASP.NET Web Site project and I'd like to display a version number and publish date, but I'm not sure how best to determine these. For example, the following code just outputs 0.0.0.0

LabelVersion.Text = Assembly.GetExecutingAssembly().GetName().Version.ToString();

Should I determine the assembly version somehow during build time and store this? I'm using CruiseControl.Net with MSBuild.

Answer 1

Well using the executing assembly is not neccessary a good choice as the executing assembly will be your web server. However, you could get the version off an included dll from a type that is implemented by this dll.

typeof(myClass).Assembly.GetName().Version.ToString()

Answer 2

You need to set the Assembly version to be able to use it the way you describe.

Most people use the first 3 digits as manual verisons:

Major.Minor.Release.xxxx

And many people use the fourth digit for source control revision number.