Is it true that SDD v137 is the last version that supports offline programming?

If this is true, does that mean it is worth it to install an old copy of SDD 137 instead of the newest version so I can do offline programming?  

Is offline programming the same thing as variant coding, or does it just referring to new module installation and programming?

What is the alternative to offline programming with the new SDD? I am used to Vediamo for Mercedes but am not sure with SDD.