Proper version comparision with string

[lorenzwalthert]

Closes #911.

[github-actions]

This is how benchmark results would change (along with a 95% confidence interval in relative change) if 270ec92 is merged into main:

•   :ballot_box_with_check:cache_applying: 33.2ms -> 32.9ms [-3.27%, +1.43%]
•   :ballot_box_with_check:cache_recording: 1.55s -> 1.55s [-1.69%, +0.76%]
•   :ballot_box_with_check:without_cache: 4.12s -> 4.13s [-0.58%, +0.76%]

Further explanation regarding interpretation and methodology can be found in the documentation.