Framework Version Support

Framework version support defines which versions of underlying frameworks (React, Vue, Angular) a design system works with. Support decisions affect who can use the design system and how much maintenance effort is required. Balancing broad support with sustainable maintenance is a key design system challenge.

What Is Framework Version Support

Framework version support specifies compatible framework versions for a design system. A React design system might support React 17 and 18. A Vue design system might support Vue 2 and Vue 3. These declarations set consumer expectations about where the design system works.

Support goes beyond basic compatibility to include testing, documentation, and issue resolution. Claimed support should mean the design system is tested against those versions and issues specific to supported versions are addressed.

How Framework Version Support Works

Support decisions involve evaluating what to support, communicating decisions, and maintaining support over time. Each aspect requires ongoing attention.

Support scope determines which versions are included. Factors include consumer version distribution, maintenance effort for each version, and feature availability. Supporting more versions increases reach but also increases maintenance burden.

Communication makes support clear to consumers. Peer dependency ranges specify compatible versions programmatically. Documentation lists supported versions explicitly. Release notes announce support changes.

Maintenance ensures continued functionality. Testing against supported versions catches regressions. Bug fixes should work across supported versions. Documentation should cover version-specific differences.

Support lifecycle manages adding and removing support. New framework versions should be evaluated promptly. Old framework versions should be deprecated with adequate notice before removal.

Key Considerations

• Balance consumer needs with maintenance capacity
• Test against all supported versions
• Communicate support changes clearly
• Provide transition time when dropping support
• Consider consumer upgrade ability when making decisions

Common Questions

When should design systems add support for new framework versions?

New framework versions require evaluation before full support. Several factors influence timing.

Framework stability matters. Supporting beta or release candidate framework versions risks changes before stable release. Waiting for stable release is generally prudent.

Feature dependencies affect support. If the design system needs framework features that changed, updates may be required. Evaluating changes helps scope the support effort.

Consumer demand indicates priority. If many consumers are adopting the new framework version, supporting it becomes more urgent. Monitoring community adoption helps gauge timing.

Testing validates readiness. Running the test suite against the new framework version reveals compatibility issues. Addressing issues before declaring support prevents consumer disappointment.

Incremental support may be appropriate. Beta support can be offered while testing continues, with stable support following full validation.

How should design systems handle dropping framework version support?

Dropping support is a breaking change requiring careful handling. Several practices help manage the transition.

Advance notice gives consumers time to plan. Announcing upcoming support drops at least one major version before removal helps consumers prepare. More notice is better for significant changes.

Deprecation warnings alert consumers using deprecated versions. Console warnings or documentation notices help consumers understand their situation.

Clear timelines set expectations. Specifying when support ends (such as a specific design system version or date) helps consumers plan their upgrades.

Migration guidance helps consumers transition. If dropping React 17 support, guidance on upgrading to React 18 helps consumers who need to migrate.

Continued support for previous design system versions provides a fallback. Consumers who cannot upgrade their framework can remain on older design system versions that support it.

Summary

Framework version support defines which framework versions a design system works with. Support decisions balance consumer reach with maintenance burden. Clear communication, thorough testing, and appropriate lifecycle management help design systems handle framework support effectively.