# version field is present in both plugin manifests

Each plugin has two manifests: `plugin.json` (Copilot CLI) and `.claude-plugin/plugin.json` (Claude Code). Both tools support a `version` field. Prior to this decision, only the CC manifest carried `version`; the Copilot manifest omitted it.

We now require `version` in both manifests, always identical. A reader of `plugin.json` alone should be able to determine the plugin version without consulting the CC manifest. The `plugin-author` skill enforces this invariant on every create, update, and release operation.

## Considered options

**CC-only version (rejected)** — `version` only in `.claude-plugin/plugin.json`; Copilot derives version from the git tag. Rejected because it makes `plugin.json` incomplete as a standalone descriptor and creates a class of drift where the two manifests disagree on version without any tooling catching it.