Removing Deprecated Components

Removing deprecated components is the final step in the component lifecycle, occurring after the deprecation period has elapsed. This removal must be handled carefully to avoid breaking consumer applications unexpectedly. Proper timing, verification, and communication ensure removal proceeds smoothly while maintaining consumer trust.

What Is Removing Deprecated Components

Removing deprecated components involves eliminating previously deprecated code from design system packages. This includes deleting component source files, removing exports, updating documentation, and releasing a new major version. The removal represents a breaking change that consumers must account for.

Removal differs from deprecation in that it permanently eliminates functionality rather than just discouraging use. Consumers who have not migrated during the deprecation period face breaking changes. Adequate warning and support during deprecation minimizes the impact of eventual removal.

How Removing Deprecated Components Works

Component removal follows a structured process that verifies readiness, executes the removal, and supports affected consumers. Each step reduces the risk of unexpected breakage.

Readiness verification confirms that removal is appropriate. Usage analytics show minimal remaining usage of the deprecated component. The deprecation timeline has elapsed, giving consumers adequate migration time. Migration documentation and tooling exist to help any remaining consumers update.

Removal execution involves technical changes to the codebase. Component source files are deleted or moved to a legacy package. Export statements are removed from package entry points. TypeScript definitions are updated to remove the component types. Tests specifically for the deprecated component are archived or removed.

Release coordination bundles the removal with other breaking changes in a major version release. Release notes prominently document the removal. Migration guides receive final updates. Communication channels announce the release with emphasis on breaking changes.

Post-removal support addresses consumers who encounter issues. Support channels handle migration questions. The previous major version remains available for consumers who need more time. Hotfixes to the previous version address critical issues while consumers migrate.

Key Considerations

• Removal requires a major version increment per semantic versioning
• Batch multiple removals into single major releases when possible
• Maintain previous major version for emergency consumer needs
• Verify no internal dependencies on the deprecated component exist
• Document removal prominently in release notes and changelogs

Common Questions

What if consumers have not migrated by the removal deadline?

Some consumers inevitably miss migration deadlines despite warnings. Several strategies help handle this situation while maintaining forward progress.

Extending the deadline gives consumers more time but delays removal. This approach works when many consumers need slightly more time. However, repeated extensions undermine deadline credibility and should be avoided.

Proceeding with removal while maintaining extended support for the previous major version provides a middle ground. Consumers can continue using the old version while migrating on their timeline. Security fixes and critical bugs can be backported to the old version.

Extracting the deprecated component to a separate package provides another option. The component remains available but outside the main package. Consumers requiring more time can install the legacy package. This approach keeps the main package clean while providing a bridge.

How should teams communicate component removal?

Communication about component removal should be prominent and multi-channel. Release notes should highlight removed components clearly, not bury them in long lists of changes. Email announcements or newsletters reach consumers who may not read every release note.

Migration guides should be linked directly from removal announcements. Specific instructions help consumers more than general deprecation notices. Including before and after code examples makes migration concrete.

Timeline reminders leading up to removal help consumers plan. Announcing one month before removal, one week before, and on the day of release keeps removal visible. Teams with Slack or Discord communities can use these channels for reminders.

Summary

Removing deprecated components requires careful verification, coordinated execution, and robust communication. Major version releases bundle removals appropriately per semantic versioning. Support for the previous major version and clear migration documentation help consumers who need additional time to update.