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That's the whole question.
Example:

I'm creating a new version of the program

Is there a set of rules one should follow?
Thank you!

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    That depends what you want to say. For example: "I am (the person which is) creating (specifically) the new version of the program. " or "(No, I am not just bug fixing,) I am creating a (whole) new version of the program."
    – skymningen
    Commented Mar 13, 2015 at 13:08
  • Yes it is correct to say "a new" or "the new".
    – Marv Mills
    Commented Mar 13, 2015 at 13:08
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    @MarvMills was that supposed to be funny? BTW, you're missing a comma after "Yes".
    – Marko Bonaci
    Commented Mar 13, 2015 at 13:11
  • Only if you consider my use of "Yes" to be an interjection, which it is not. See here: english.stackexchange.com/questions/78532/…
    – Marv Mills
    Commented Mar 13, 2015 at 13:34
  • The link you provided only proved my point. You're missing something, let's say it like that :)
    – Marko Bonaci
    Commented Mar 13, 2015 at 13:43

2 Answers 2

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Context, context, context!

The basic rule is that you use the if you expect your hearers/readers to know which one you're talking about.

So if you've already mentioned this new version, or it's part of the general knowledge you share with your hearers/readers, you can use the. But when you introduce a new entity into the discourse, you use a.

I know the program's slow right now, but I'm writing a new version. The new version will be released in May.

You may also use the to speak of a new entity if you distinguish it immediately, within the same noun phrase.

We're working on three new versions. The version I am working on is targeted to social media users.

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The use of the definite or indefinite article depends on the meaning you would like to express. Both cases are possible in different situations.

a new version is the case of the noun modified with the descriptive adjective, therefore, the indefinite article can be chosen.

the new version -you are telling the reader which thing we are talking about. You are referring to the particular version of the program.

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  • Thank you for such the quick response. Just kidding :)
    – Marko Bonaci
    Commented Mar 13, 2015 at 13:40

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