title: python module for handling version of software
body: <p>I am looking for a python module / library which will be to operate on 'software versions'... Which means, for example:</p>
  
  <ul>
  <li>compare versions "1.0-SNAPSHOT" and "1.1-SNAPSHOT" and tell which is newer</li>
  <li>increment "1.0.1-SNAPSHOT" to "1.0.2-SNAPSHOT"</li>
  <li>make "1.0" from "1.0-SNAPSHOT" and same with '-RELEASE'</li>
  </ul>
  
  <p>Yes, versions naming comes in this came from java (maven) world - my python part should operate on them..</p>
  
  <p>Any ideas?</p>