An OVSDB schema has a schema version number, and an OVSDB database embeds a particular version of an OVSDB schema. These version numbers take the form x.y.z, e.g. 1.2.3. The OVSDB implementation does not enforce a particular version numbering scheme, but schemas managed within the Open vSwitch project use the following approach. Whenever the database schema is changed in a non-backward compatible way (e.g. deleting a column or a table), x is incremented (and y and z are reset to 0). When the database schema is changed in a backward compatible way (e.g. adding a new column), y is incremented (and z is reset to 0). When the database schema is changed cosmetically (e.g. reindenting its syntax), z is incremented.

Some OVSDB databases and schemas, especially very old ones, do not have a version number.

Schema version numbers and Open vSwitch version numbers are independent.