docs: deprecating a library

Author: RobPasMue

doc/source/how-to/deprecating.rst

@@ -0,0 +1,120 @@
+.. _deprecating:
+
+Deprecating a library
+=====================
+
+As time passes, some libraries may become outdated or replaced by better alternatives.
+When this happens, it is important to deprecate the old library properly to ensure users
+are aware of the change and can transition smoothly.
+
+In the PyAnsys ecosystem, we follow a specific process for deprecating libraries.
+This process helps maintain clarity and consistency across our projects.
+
+Maintainer tasks
+----------------
+
+When a library is no longer maintained or has been replaced by a better alternative,
+
+If you are a maintainer of a library that is being deprecated, please follow these steps. As
+an illustrative example, the deprecation of `PyAdditive Widgets <https://github.com/ansys/pyadditive-widgets>`_
+is used in this guide.
+
+1. **Inform the PyAnsys Core team**: Before proceeding with the deprecation, it is essential to
+   inform the PyAnsys Core team. This can be done by sending an email to
+   the team at `[email protected] <pyansys_core_email_>`_. This step ensures that the
+   deprecation is communicated effectively and that the team can assist with any necessary
+   changes in the PyAnsys ecosystem.
+2. **Close all open issues and pull requests**: Before deprecating the library, ensure that all
+   open issues and pull requests in the library's repository are closed. This helps to avoid
+   confusion and ensures that users are aware that the library is no longer actively maintained.
+   You can close issues and pull requests with a comment explaining that the library is being
+   deprecated and will no longer be supported.
+3. **Create a deprecation issue**: Open an issue in the library's repository to announce the
+   deprecation. This issue should explain why the library is being deprecated, what alternatives
+   are available, and any relevant timelines. See a template below for the issue content.
+
+   .. warning::
+
+      Make sure to adapt the template to your specific library and situation!
+
+   .. code:: markdown
+
+      ## ⚠️ Project Deprecation Notice
+
+      **This repository is no longer maintained as of [DATE].**
+
+      ### Reason for deprecation
+      [Explain briefly why the project is being deprecated — e.g., better alternatives, no time to maintain, outdated use case.]
+
+      ### Alternatives
+      If you're looking for a maintained alternative, consider:
+      - [Alternative 1](https://...)
+      - [Alternative 2](https://...)
+
+      ### What this means
+      - No further updates, bug fixes, or pull request reviews
+      - Issues will be closed
+      - The repository will be archived
+
+      Thank you to everyone who contributed, used, or supported this project!
+
+   This issue will serve as a permanent record of the deprecation and provide users with
+   necessary information about alternatives.
+
+   Make sure to pin the issue to the top of the repository so that it is easily visible to users.
+   This can be done by selecting the "Pin issue" option in the issue's right-side menu, on GitHub.
+
+   See an example at `PyAdditive Widgets deprecation issue`_.
+
+4. **Adapt the README**: Update the library's README file to reflect the deprecation.
+   This should include a clear notice at the top of the README, informing users that the
+   library is deprecated. See an example at `PyAdditive Widgets README`_.
+
+5. **(Optional) Add a warning in the code**: If applicable, add a warning in the code itself to inform users
+   that the library is deprecated. This can be done using Python's `warnings` module. For example:
+
+   .. code:: python
+
+      # At the top of your main module or package (i.e. src/ansys/<...>/__init__.py)
+
+      import warnings
+
+      warnings.warn(
+          "This library is deprecated and will no longer be maintained. "
+          "Please consider using alternatives.",
+          DeprecationWarning,
+      )
+
+   See an example at `PyAdditive Widgets deprecation warning`_.
+
+6. **(Optional) Make a last release**: If you carried out step 5, consider making a final release
+   of the library that includes the deprecation warning. This ensures that users who install
+   the library in the future will see the warning immediately.
+
+7. **Archive the repository**: Once the deprecation issue is created and the README is updated,
+   you can archive the repository. This will prevent any further changes to the repository and
+   signal to users that the library is no longer maintained. To archive a repository, go to the
+   repository settings and select "Archive this repository".
+
+These steps ensure that the deprecation process is clear and transparent, allowing users to
+transition smoothly to alternatives while maintaining the integrity of the PyAnsys ecosystem.
+
+.. note::
+
+    The deprecation process may vary slightly depending on the specific library and its
+    context. However, the core principles should remain consistent across all deprecations.
+
+Core team tasks
+---------------
+
+The PyAnsys Core team will assist with the deprecation process by:
+
+- Reviewing the deprecation issue to ensure it meets the project's standards.
+- Assisting with the above steps, if necessary.
+- Remove from PyPI the configuration (PyPI token or trusted publisher) for the library.
+- Removing the library from the `PyAnsys metapackage <metapackage_>`_, automation project
+  and the ``ansys-internal/pyansys-dev`` repository. See example pull requests:
+
+  - `Metapackage deprecation PR`_
+  - `PyAnsys Dev deprecation PR`_
+  - `Automation project deprecation PR`_

doc/source/how-to/index.rst

@@ -106,6 +106,12 @@ and app APIs.
 
       How to handle vulnerabilities in PyAnsys packages.
 
+    .. grid-item-card:: :fas:`fa-solid fa-bug` Deprecating a library
+      :link: deprecating
+      :link-type: doc
+      :padding: 2 2 2 2
+
+      How to deprecate a PyAnsys library.
 
 .. toctree::
    :maxdepth: 3
@@ -125,3 +131,4 @@ and app APIs.
    dns-configuration
    compatibility
    vulnerabilities
+   deprecating

doc/source/links.rst

@@ -212,11 +212,19 @@
 .. _PyPI API token: https://pypi.org/help/#apitoken
 
 .. #Vulnerabilities
-.. _metapackage: https://github.com/pyansys/pyansys
+.. _metapackage: https://github.com/ansys/pyansys
 .. _CVE: https://www.cve.org/
 .. _Safety: https://pyup.io/safety/
 .. _Bandit: https://bandit.readthedocs.io/en/latest/
 .. _the action's documentation: https://actions.docs.ansys.com/version/stable/vulnerability-actions/index.html#check-vulnerabilities-action
 .. _PyACP security considerations: https://acp.docs.pyansys.com/version/dev/user_guide/security_considerations.html
 .. _Github's documentation: https://docs.github.com/en/code-security/security-advisories/working-with-repository-security-advisories/collaborating-in-a-temporary-private-fork-to-resolve-a-repository-security-vulnerability
 .. _PyAnsys Geometry subprocess advisory: https://github.com/ansys/pyansys-geometry/security/advisories/GHSA-38jr-29fh-w9vm
+
+.. #Deprecation
+.. _PyAdditive Widgets README: https://github.com/ansys/pyadditive-widgets/blob/main/README.rst
+.. _PyAdditive Widgets deprecation issue: https://github.com/ansys/pyadditive-widgets/issues/102
+.. _PyAdditive Widgets deprecation warning: https://github.com/ansys/pyadditive-widgets/blob/600915a8db2dbb02088266c17ba2be53584079d0/src/ansys/additive/widgets/__init__.py#L24-L31
+.. _Metapackage deprecation PR: https://github.com/ansys/pyansys/pull/968
+.. _PyAnsys Dev deprecation PR: https://github.com/ansys-internal/pyansys-dev/pull/44
+.. _Automation project deprecation PR: https://github.com/ansys-internal/pyansys-maintenance-automation/pull/79