def min_version(the_module, min_version_str: str = "") -> bool:
    """
    Convert version strings into tuples of int and compare them.

    Returns True if the module's version is greater or equal to the 'min_version'.
    When min_version_str is not provided, it always returns True.
    """
    if not min_version_str or not hasattr(the_module, "__version__"):
        return True  # always valid version

    mod_version = tuple(int(x) for x in the_module.__version__.split(".")[:2])
    required = tuple(int(x) for x in min_version_str.split(".")[:2])
    return mod_version >= required