Angular Version Support

Angular version support defines which Angular versions a design system works with. Angular’s regular release cycle with predictable breaking changes requires design systems to plan version support carefully. Keeping pace with Angular’s updates while supporting previous versions helps serve the Angular consumer community.

What Is Angular Version Support

Angular version support specifies compatible Angular versions for a design system. Angular releases major versions twice yearly with breaking changes, creating ongoing compatibility management needs. Support policies determine how many versions are covered simultaneously.

Angular’s update patterns differ from React and Vue. ng update provides automated migration paths, and Angular’s deprecation cycles are predictable. Design systems can plan updates around Angular’s release schedule.

How Angular Version Support Works

Angular support involves tracking Angular releases, testing compatibility, updating design system code, and communicating support. Each element contributes to reliable Angular compatibility.

Angular release tracking monitors upcoming changes. Angular’s release schedule and deprecation warnings help design systems prepare. Following Angular’s blog and changelog reveals what changes are coming.

Compatibility testing verifies support. Testing the design system with new Angular versions reveals issues. Angular’s emphasis on migration paths means many updates are straightforward, but verification is still important.

Code updates address breaking changes. Angular’s migrations often include schematics that update code automatically. Design systems may need manual updates for patterns schematics do not cover.

Support communication clarifies which versions work. Peer dependency specifications, documentation, and release notes should state supported Angular versions clearly.

Key Considerations

• Track Angular release schedule and plan accordingly
• Test against new Angular versions promptly
• Support at least current and previous major version
• Provide migration guidance for design system updates
• Communicate support changes clearly

Common Questions

How many Angular versions should design systems support?

Angular version support should balance consumer needs with maintenance effort. Angular’s predictable release cycle helps plan support policies.

Current and previous major versions is common. This covers most active Angular applications. With six-month major release cycles, this provides about a year of support.

Following Angular’s LTS aligns with ecosystem norms. Angular provides LTS support for major versions for 18 months. Design systems might follow similar timelines.

Consumer analysis can inform decisions. Understanding which Angular versions consumers use helps set appropriate support ranges. Broader support serves more consumers but increases maintenance.

Announcing support timelines helps consumers plan. Stating that Angular N-2 support will end with a specific design system release gives consumers notice.

How should design systems handle Angular update migrations?

Angular’s migration tools can assist design system updates, but design systems also need their own migration support.

ng update schematics can automate changes. Angular’s CLI runs schematics that update code for new versions. Design systems can provide schematics for their own breaking changes.

Migration guides supplement automation. Not all changes can be automated. Written guides explain manual migration steps clearly.

Coordinating with Angular releases reduces consumer effort. Timing design system updates to align with Angular major releases lets consumers migrate in a single effort rather than multiple separate updates.

Testing migration paths validates guidance. Running migrations on representative consumer projects verifies guides are accurate and complete.

Summary

Angular version support requires keeping pace with Angular’s regular release cycle. Supporting current and previous major versions serves most consumers. Angular’s migration tooling, including ng update schematics, can assist both Angular and design system updates. Clear communication about supported versions helps consumers plan their updates.