Software release number comparison algorithm (1.2.345 and 1.12.3.45 and 1.111.23.4.5)?

Question

Programming

By what principle is it more correct to compare the numbering of software releases of the type: 1.2.345 and 1.12.3.45 and 1.111.23.4.5?
(When you need to know which software version is newer, but not by date).
Split or into blocks separated by dots and compare one by one if the previous ones === ?
Or convert to some other format?
Or am I looking in the wrong direction at all?
Thanks in advance for the constructive!

Answer 1

Parse point by point, then - in lexicographic order, considering numbers as an alphabet.