LTS Version Strategy

LTS version strategy designates certain releases for extended support periods beyond normal maintenance windows. Long-term support versions receive bug fixes and security updates for extended durations, giving consumers stable targets for long-lived applications. This strategy helps organizations that cannot upgrade frequently.

What Is LTS Version Strategy

Long-term support versions are specific releases that receive extended maintenance. While regular versions may receive support for months, LTS versions receive support for years. Consumers can adopt LTS versions knowing they will remain viable for extended periods without major upgrades.

The LTS concept originated in Linux distributions where enterprise users needed stable platforms. Design systems adopt similar strategies when serving consumers with long change cycles. LTS versions provide stability islands in otherwise continuously evolving systems.

How LTS Version Strategy Works

LTS strategy involves selecting versions for long-term support, defining support terms, and maintaining them alongside current development. This approach requires additional maintenance effort but serves important consumer segments.

Version selection designates which releases become LTS. Common approaches include designating every Nth major version (such as every third major version) or selecting versions based on feature completeness. Selected versions should be stable and well-tested before designation.

Support terms define what LTS versions receive and for how long. Typical terms include bug fixes and security updates for two to three years, possibly extending to security-only for additional time. Terms should be documented clearly and honored consistently.

Maintenance execution keeps LTS versions healthy. Backporting fixes from current development to LTS versions requires ongoing effort. Automated testing ensures backports do not introduce regressions. Documentation remains available for LTS versions throughout their support period.

Key Considerations

• Select stable, well-tested versions for LTS designation
• Define support terms clearly before designation
• Budget maintenance effort for LTS backporting
• Communicate LTS timeline and benefits to consumers
• Plan LTS end-of-life well in advance

Common Questions

How does LTS interact with regular release cadence?

LTS versions exist alongside regular releases, not replacing them. Current development continues with normal release cadence. LTS versions receive parallel maintenance, cherry-picking relevant fixes from current development.

Consumers can choose between following current releases (getting latest features but requiring frequent upgrades) or tracking LTS versions (accepting older features for reduced upgrade frequency). Different teams within the same organization might make different choices based on their needs.

The design system team maintains both tracks simultaneously. This increases maintenance burden but serves diverse consumer needs. Tooling that automates backporting and testing helps manage the additional work.

What challenges do LTS versions create?

LTS versions require ongoing maintenance effort that competes with new development. Backporting fixes takes time. Testing across multiple supported versions multiplies effort. Documentation must remain available and accurate for older versions.

API evolution becomes constrained by LTS support. Removing deprecated features must wait until LTS versions no longer need them. This can slow design system evolution if LTS timelines are too long.

Consumer confusion can arise from multiple supported versions. Clear communication about which version to use and why helps consumers make appropriate choices. Documentation should guide new consumers to current versions while supporting those on LTS.

Summary

LTS version strategy provides extended support for designated releases, serving consumers with long change cycles. Selecting appropriate versions, defining clear support terms, and maintaining them alongside current development requires sustained effort. The strategy trades maintenance burden for serving important consumer segments.