---
title: "What is dataset versioning?"
description: "Dataset versioning pins which rows, labels, and derived features a training or eval run used."
url: "https://pixeltable.com/learn/what-is-dataset-versioning"
updated: "2026-09-29"
vertical: "Versioning"
doc: "https://docs.pixeltable.com/overview/quick-start"
---

# What is dataset versioning?

Dataset versioning pins which rows, labels, and derived features a training or eval run used.

Updated: 2026-09-29
Part of [What is time travel?](https://pixeltable.com/learn/what-is-time-travel).

## On this page

- [How it works](https://pixeltable.com/learn/what-is-dataset-versioning#how-it-works)
- [What it is not](https://pixeltable.com/learn/what-is-dataset-versioning#what-it-is-not)
- [Comparison](https://pixeltable.com/learn/what-is-dataset-versioning#comparison)
- [Where Pixeltable fits](https://pixeltable.com/learn/what-is-dataset-versioning#where-pixeltable-fits)
- [Questions](https://pixeltable.com/learn/what-is-dataset-versioning#questions)

## How it works {#how-it-works}


- The training run records the table version.
- Labels and features are columns at that version.
- A later run can see the diff.

## What it is not {#what-it-is-not}

It is not a folder named v2, and it is not versioning only the model weights.

## dataset versioning: this, and the thing it is confused with {#comparison}

|  | This | Not this |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pins | Rows and labels | A zip file name |
| Includes | Derived columns | Weights only |
| Compare | Two versions of the table | Two notebooks |

## Where Pixeltable fits {#where-pixeltable-fits}

Pixeltable table versions are the pin. A training run can name the version it read.

## Questions {#questions}

### How does dataset versioning work? {#faq-1}

The training run records the table version. Labels and features are columns at that version. A later run can see the diff.

### What is dataset versioning often confused with? {#faq-2}

It is not a folder named v2, and it is not versioning only the model weights.

## In the blog

- [From Data Chaos to Dataset Mastery: How ML Engineers Are Transforming Autonomous Vehicle Workflows](https://pixeltable.com/blog/ml-engineer-dataset-chaos-autonomous-vehicle-workflows)
- [From Excel to PyTorch: The Complete Guide to Converting Spreadsheets into Training Data](https://pixeltable.com/blog/excel-pandas-pytorch-training-data-guide)
- [Stop Rebuilding Training Datasets: How Training Engineers Cut Model Development Time by 90%](https://pixeltable.com/blog/training-engineer-model-development-pytorch-integration)
- [Navigating the Evolving ML Dataset Ecosystem: Finding Your Path and How Pixeltable Can Guide You](https://pixeltable.com/blog/navigating-ml-dataset-ecosystem)

## Related

- [Documentation](https://docs.pixeltable.com/overview/quick-start)
- [Navigating the Evolving ML Dataset Ecosystem: Finding Your Path and How Pixeltable Can Guide You](https://pixeltable.com/blog/navigating-ml-dataset-ecosystem)
- [Stop Rebuilding Training Datasets: How Training Engineers Cut Model Development Time by 90%](https://pixeltable.com/blog/training-engineer-model-development-pytorch-integration)
- [Incremental updates](https://pixeltable.com/use-cases/incremental-updates-ai-data-processing)