Final answer:
To ensure clients use the latest application version, developers can employ a mandatory update feature, release updates with essential new features or fixes, and use in-app notifications for new updates. For web-based applications, serving only the latest version from the server ensures user compliance.
Step-by-step explanation:
A developer wanting to ensure that all clients are using the latest version of their application can employ several strategies. One common method is to implement a mandatory update feature within the application. This can be done by designing the software such that new versions can read older files, but older versions cannot read files from newer versions. This approach compels clients to upgrade to maintain compatibility.
To further encourage users to update regularly, the developer might release updates with new features, enhancements, or security patches that are critical for users. In essence, creating a scenario where not updating means missing out on essential improvements or being unable to collaborate effectively due to incompatibility issues with newer file formats.
Additionally, developers can use in-app notifications to inform users about the availability of new updates. The application can be configured to check for updates automatically and prompt the user to install them. For web-based applications, the developer can ensure that the server always serves the latest version, thus eliminating the need for user intervention to stay up-to-date.