reiterate version inference

.gitignore

@@ -51,3 +51,5 @@ coverage.xml
 
 # Sphinx documentation
 docs/_build/
+
+.serena/cache/

.serena/memories/done_checklist.md

@@ -0,0 +1,16 @@
+Before considering a task done
+
+- Code quality
+  - Ruff clean: uv run ruff check .
+  - Types clean: uv run mypy
+- Tests
+  - All tests green: uv run pytest
+  - New/changed behavior covered with tests (use project fixtures)
+- Docs
+  - Update docs if user-facing behavior changed
+  - Build docs cleanly: uv run mkdocs build --clean --strict
+- Packaging
+  - If relevant: uv run python -m build && uv run twine check dist/*
+- Housekeeping
+  - Follow existing naming and module structure; keep functions focused and typed
+  - Update `CHANGELOG.md` when appropriate

.serena/memories/project_overview.md

@@ -0,0 +1,28 @@
+Project: setuptools-scm
+
+Purpose
+- Extract and infer Python package versions from SCM metadata (Git/Mercurial) at build/runtime.
+- Provide setuptools integrations (dynamic version, file finders) and fallbacks for archival/PKG-INFO.
+
+Tech Stack
+- Language: Python (3.8–3.13)
+- Packaging/build: setuptools (>=61), packaging; console scripts via entry points
+- Tooling: uv (dependency and run), pytest, mypy (strict), ruff (lint, isort), mkdocs (docs), tox (optional/matrix), wheel/build
+
+Codebase Structure (high level)
+- src/setuptools_scm/: library code
+  - _cli.py, __main__.py: CLI entry (`python -m setuptools_scm`, `setuptools-scm`)
+  - git.py, hg.py, hg_git.py: VCS parsing
+  - _file_finders/: discover files for sdist
+  - _integration/: setuptools and pyproject integration
+  - version.py and helpers: version schemes/local version logic
+  - discover.py, fallbacks.py: inference and archival fallbacks
+- testing/: pytest suite and fixtures
+- docs/: mkdocs documentation
+- pyproject.toml: project metadata, pytest and ruff config
+- tox.ini: alternate CI/matrix, flake8 defaults
+- uv.lock: locked dependencies
+
+Conventions
+- Use uv to run commands (`uv run ...`); tests live under `testing/` per pytest config.
+- Type hints throughout; strict mypy enforced; ruff governs lint rules and import layout (isort in ruff).

.serena/memories/style_and_conventions.md

@@ -0,0 +1,17 @@
+Style and Conventions
+
+- Typing
+  - mypy strict is enabled; add precise type hints for public functions/classes.
+  - Prefer explicit/clear types; avoid `Any` and unsafe casts.
+- Linting/Imports
+  - Ruff is the canonical linter (config in pyproject). Respect its rules and isort settings (single-line imports, ordered, types grouped).
+  - Flake8 config exists in tox.ini but ruff linting is primary.
+- Formatting
+  - Follow ruff guidance; keep lines <= 88 where applicable (flake8 reference).
+- Testing
+  - Pytest with `testing/` as testpath; default 5m timeout; warnings treated as errors.
+  - Use existing fixtures; add `@pytest.mark` markers if needed (see pyproject markers).
+- Logging
+  - Tests run with log level info/debug; avoid noisy logs in normal library code.
+- General
+  - Small, focused functions; early returns; explicit errors. Keep APIs documented with concise docstrings.

.serena/memories/suggested_commands.md

@@ -0,0 +1,30 @@
+Environment
+- Install deps (uses default groups test, docs):
+  - uv sync
+
+Core Dev
+- Run tests:
+  - uv run pytest
+- Lint (ruff):
+  - uv run ruff check .
+  - uv run ruff check . --fix  # optional autofix
+- Type check (mypy strict):
+  - uv run mypy
+- Build docs:
+  - uv run mkdocs serve --dev-addr localhost:8000
+  - uv run mkdocs build --clean --strict
+
+Entrypoints / Tooling
+- CLI version/debug:
+  - uv run python -m setuptools_scm --help
+  - uv run python -m setuptools_scm
+  - uv run setuptools-scm --help
+- Build dist and verify:
+  - uv run python -m build
+  - uv run twine check dist/*
+- Optional matrix via tox:
+  - uv run tox -q
+
+Git/Linux Utilities (Linux host)
+- git status / git log --oneline --graph --decorate
+- ls -la; find . -name "pattern"; grep -R "text" .

.serena/project.yml

@@ -0,0 +1,68 @@
+# language of the project (csharp, python, rust, java, typescript, go, cpp, or ruby)
+#  * For C, use cpp
+#  * For JavaScript, use typescript
+# Special requirements:
+#  * csharp: Requires the presence of a .sln file in the project folder.
+language: python
+
+# whether to use the project's gitignore file to ignore files
+# Added on 2025-04-07
+ignore_all_files_in_gitignore: true
+# list of additional paths to ignore
+# same syntax as gitignore, so you can use * and **
+# Was previously called `ignored_dirs`, please update your config if you are using that.
+# Added (renamed)on 2025-04-07
+ignored_paths: []
+
+# whether the project is in read-only mode
+# If set to true, all editing tools will be disabled and attempts to use them will result in an error
+# Added on 2025-04-18
+read_only: false
+
+
+# list of tool names to exclude. We recommend not excluding any tools, see the readme for more details.
+# Below is the complete list of tools for convenience.
+# To make sure you have the latest list of tools, and to view their descriptions,
+# execute `uv run scripts/print_tool_overview.py`.
+#
+#  * `activate_project`: Activates a project by name.
+#  * `check_onboarding_performed`: Checks whether project onboarding was already performed.
+#  * `create_text_file`: Creates/overwrites a file in the project directory.
+#  * `delete_lines`: Deletes a range of lines within a file.
+#  * `delete_memory`: Deletes a memory from Serena's project-specific memory store.
+#  * `execute_shell_command`: Executes a shell command.
+#  * `find_referencing_code_snippets`: Finds code snippets in which the symbol at the given location is referenced.
+#  * `find_referencing_symbols`: Finds symbols that reference the symbol at the given location (optionally filtered by type).
+#  * `find_symbol`: Performs a global (or local) search for symbols with/containing a given name/substring (optionally filtered by type).
+#  * `get_current_config`: Prints the current configuration of the agent, including the active and available projects, tools, contexts, and modes.
+#  * `get_symbols_overview`: Gets an overview of the top-level symbols defined in a given file or directory.
+#  * `initial_instructions`: Gets the initial instructions for the current project.
+#     Should only be used in settings where the system prompt cannot be set,
+#     e.g. in clients you have no control over, like Claude Desktop.
+#  * `insert_after_symbol`: Inserts content after the end of the definition of a given symbol.
+#  * `insert_at_line`: Inserts content at a given line in a file.
+#  * `insert_before_symbol`: Inserts content before the beginning of the definition of a given symbol.
+#  * `list_dir`: Lists files and directories in the given directory (optionally with recursion).
+#  * `list_memories`: Lists memories in Serena's project-specific memory store.
+#  * `onboarding`: Performs onboarding (identifying the project structure and essential tasks, e.g. for testing or building).
+#  * `prepare_for_new_conversation`: Provides instructions for preparing for a new conversation (in order to continue with the necessary context).
+#  * `read_file`: Reads a file within the project directory.
+#  * `read_memory`: Reads the memory with the given name from Serena's project-specific memory store.
+#  * `remove_project`: Removes a project from the Serena configuration.
+#  * `replace_lines`: Replaces a range of lines within a file with new content.
+#  * `replace_symbol_body`: Replaces the full definition of a symbol.
+#  * `restart_language_server`: Restarts the language server, may be necessary when edits not through Serena happen.
+#  * `search_for_pattern`: Performs a search for a pattern in the project.
+#  * `summarize_changes`: Provides instructions for summarizing the changes made to the codebase.
+#  * `switch_modes`: Activates modes by providing a list of their names
+#  * `think_about_collected_information`: Thinking tool for pondering the completeness of collected information.
+#  * `think_about_task_adherence`: Thinking tool for determining whether the agent is still on track with the current task.
+#  * `think_about_whether_you_are_done`: Thinking tool for determining whether the task is truly completed.
+#  * `write_memory`: Writes a named memory (for future reference) to Serena's project-specific memory store.
+excluded_tools: []
+
+# initial prompt for the project. It will always be given to the LLM upon activating the project
+# (contrary to the memories, which are loaded on demand).
+initial_prompt: ""
+
+project_name: "setuptools_scm"

CHANGELOG.md

@@ -1,5 +1,21 @@
 # Changelog
 
+## Unreleased
+
+### Added
+
+- add simplified activation via `setuptools-scm[simple]` extra
+
+  A new streamlined way to enable version inference without requiring a `[tool.setuptools_scm]` section.
+  When `setuptools-scm[simple]` is in `build-system.requires` and `version` is in `project.dynamic`,
+  version inference is automatically enabled with default settings.
+
+
+### removed
+
+- unchecked simplified activation - too many projects use setups where it would fail
+
+
 ## v9.1.1
 
 ### fixed

docs/config.md

@@ -2,11 +2,25 @@
 
 ## When is configuration needed?
 
-Starting with setuptools-scm 8.1+, explicit configuration is **optional** in many cases:
+setuptools-scm provides flexible activation options:
 
-- **No configuration needed**: If `setuptools_scm` (or `setuptools-scm`) is in your `build-system.requires`, setuptools-scm will automatically activate with sensible defaults.
+### Simplified Activation (No Configuration Needed)
 
-- **Configuration recommended**: Use the `[tool.setuptools_scm]` section when you need to:
+For basic usage, use the `simple` extra with no configuration:
+
+```toml title="pyproject.toml"
+[build-system]
+requires = ["setuptools>=80", "setuptools-scm[simple]>=8"]
+
+[project]
+dynamic = ["version"]
+```
+
+This automatically enables version inference with default settings.
+
+### Explicit Configuration (Full Control)
+
+Use the `[tool.setuptools_scm]` section when you need to:
   - Write version files (`version_file`)
   - Customize version schemes (`version_scheme`, `local_scheme`)
   - Set custom tag patterns (`tag_regex`)

docs/index.md

@@ -30,21 +30,36 @@ Note: `setuptools-scm>=8` intentionally doesn't depend on setuptools to ease non
 Please ensure a recent version of setuptools is installed (minimum: >=61, recommended: >=80 for best compatibility).
 Support for setuptools <80 is deprecated and will be removed in a future release.
 
+**Simplified setup (recommended for basic usage):**
 
 ```toml title="pyproject.toml"
 [build-system]
-requires = ["setuptools>=80", "setuptools-scm>=8"]
+requires = ["setuptools>=80", "setuptools-scm[simple]>=8"]
 build-backend = "setuptools.build_meta"
 
 [project]
 name = "example"
 # Important: Remove any existing version declaration
 # version = "0.0.1"
 dynamic = ["version"]
-# more missing
+
+# No additional configuration needed!
+```
+
+**With custom configuration:**
+
+```toml title="pyproject.toml"
+[build-system]
+requires = ["setuptools>=80", "setuptools-scm>=8"]
+build-backend = "setuptools.build_meta"
+
+[project]
+name = "example"
+dynamic = ["version"]
 
 [tool.setuptools_scm]
-´´´
+# Custom configuration options go here
+```
 
 
 !!! tip "Recommended Tag Format"

docs/usage.md

@@ -7,30 +7,40 @@
     Support for setuptools <80 is deprecated and will be removed in a future release.
     The examples below use `setuptools>=80` as the recommended version.
 
-There are two ways to configure `setuptools-scm` at build time, depending on your needs:
+There are three ways to enable `setuptools-scm` at build time:
 
-### Automatic Configuration (Recommended for Simple Cases)
+### Simplified Activation (new)
 
-For projects that don't need custom configuration, simply include `setuptools-scm`
-in your build requirements:
+For basic usage without custom configuration, use the `simple` extra:
 
 ```toml title="pyproject.toml"
 [build-system]
-requires = ["setuptools>=80", "setuptools-scm>=8"]
+requires = ["setuptools>=80", "setuptools-scm[simple]>=8"]
 build-backend = "setuptools.build_meta"
 
 [project]
 # version = "0.0.1"  # Remove any existing version parameter.
 dynamic = ["version"]
+
+# No [tool.setuptools_scm] section needed for basic usage!
 ```
 
-**That's it!** Starting with setuptools-scm 8.1+, if `setuptools_scm` (or `setuptools-scm`)
-is present in your `build-system.requires`, setuptools-scm will automatically activate
-with default settings.
+This streamlined approach automatically enables version inference when:
+- `setuptools-scm[simple]` is listed in `build-system.requires`
+- `version` is included in `project.dynamic`
+
+!!! tip "When to use simplified activation"
 
-### Explicit Configuration
+    Use simplified activation when you:
+    - Want basic SCM version inference with default settings
+    - Don't need custom version schemes or file writing
+    - Prefer minimal configuration
 
-If you need to customize setuptools-scm behavior, use the `tool.setuptools_scm` section:
+    Upgrade to explicit configuration if you need customization.
+
+### Explicit Configuration (full control)
+
+Add a `tool.setuptools_scm` section for custom configuration:
 
 ```toml title="pyproject.toml"
 [build-system]
@@ -51,20 +61,25 @@ pre_parse = "fail_on_missing_submodules"  # Fail if submodules are not initializ
 describe_command = "git describe --dirty --tags --long --exclude *js*"  # Custom describe command
 ```
 
-Both approaches will work with projects that support PEP 518 ([pip](https://pypi.org/project/pip) and
-[pep517](https://pypi.org/project/pep517/)).
-Tools that still invoke `setup.py` must ensure build requirements are installed
+Projects must support PEP 518 ([pip](https://pypi.org/project/pip) and
+[pep517](https://pypi.org/project/pep517/)). Tools that still invoke `setup.py`
+must ensure build requirements are installed.
+
+### Using the setup keyword
 
-!!! info "How Automatic Detection Works"
+Alternatively, enable `setuptools-scm` via the `use_scm_version` keyword in `setup.py`.
+This also counts as an explicit opt-in and does not require a tool section.
 
-    When setuptools-scm is listed in `build-system.requires`, it automatically detects this during the build process and activates with default settings. This means:
+!!! note "Legacy simplified activation"
 
-    - ✅ **Automatic activation**: No `[tool.setuptools_scm]` section needed
-    - ✅ **Default behavior**: Uses standard version schemes and SCM detection
-    - ✅ **Error handling**: Provides helpful error messages if configuration is missing
-    - ⚙️ **Customization**: Add `[tool.setuptools_scm]` section when you need custom options
+    Previous versions had a "simplified" activation where listing `setuptools_scm`
+    in `build-system.requires` together with `project.dynamic = ["version"]` would
+    auto-enable version inference. This behavior was removed due to regressions and
+    ambiguous activation.
 
-    Both package names are detected: `setuptools_scm` and `setuptools-scm` (with dash).
+    The new simplified activation using the `[simple]` extra provides the same
+    convenience but with explicit opt-in, making it clear when version inference
+    should be enabled.
 
 ### Version files
 

pyproject.toml

@@ -49,6 +49,7 @@ dependencies = [
 ]
 [project.optional-dependencies]
 rich = ["rich"]
+simple = []
 toml = []
 
 [dependency-groups]
@@ -67,6 +68,8 @@ test = [
   "pytest",
   "pytest-timeout",  # Timeout protection for CI/CD
   "rich",
+  "ruff",
+  "mypy~=1.13.0", # pinned to old for python 3.8
   'typing-extensions; python_version < "3.11"',
   "wheel",
   "griffe",