dpkg's version comparison algorithm?

[David Frey <david@eos.lugs.ch>]

Hello collegues,

I don't understand dpkg's version compare algorithm:
(david@eos) /var/debian/unstable/binary-i386/math$dpkg --compare-versions 1.15  lt 1.2-1; echo $?
1
(david@eos) /var/debian/unstable/binary-i386/math$dpkg --compare-versions 1.15  lt 1.20-1; echo $?
0
(david@eos) /var/debian/unstable/binary-i386/math$dpkg --version
Debian Linux `dpkg' package management program version 1.4.0.19 (i386 elf).
Copyright 1994-1996 Ian Jackson, Bruce Perens.  This is free software;
see the GNU General Public Licence version 2 or later for copying
conditions.  There is NO warranty.  See dpkg --licence for details.
(david@eos) /var/debian/unstable/binary-i386/math$

Why is 1.15 > 1.2 ? Is it necessary to fill in trailing zeroes?

David
-- 
David Frey (51F35923114FC864 7D05FF173C61EFDE)
Those who do not understand Unix are condemned to reinvent it, poorly.
  -- Henry Spencer



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