Vue Version Support

Vue version support defines which Vue versions a design system works with. The significant differences between Vue 2 and Vue 3 make version support decisions particularly important for Vue design systems. Supporting both versions requires careful architecture and potentially maintaining separate codebases.

What Is Vue Version Support

Vue version support specifies compatible Vue versions for a design system. Due to breaking changes between Vue 2 and Vue 3, design systems must often choose between supporting one version, supporting both with effort, or maintaining separate packages.

Vue 3 introduced the Composition API, new component syntax, and significant internal changes. While Vue 2.7 backported some features, fundamental differences remain. Design systems must navigate these differences to provide appropriate support.

How Vue Version Support Works

Vue support involves architectural decisions, build configuration, and potentially maintaining multiple implementations. The approach depends on desired version coverage.

Single version support focuses on one Vue version. This simplifies development but limits consumer reach. New design systems might target Vue 3 only, while legacy systems might focus on Vue 2.

Dual version support covers both Vue 2 and Vue 3. Approaches include abstraction layers that adapt to the running Vue version, separate builds from shared source, or separate packages entirely. Each approach has tradeoffs.

Build configuration produces appropriate output. Vue 2 and Vue 3 have different build requirements. Properly configured builds ensure packages work correctly with their target Vue versions.

Testing validates support claims. Testing against both Vue 2 and Vue 3 reveals version-specific issues. CI should cover all supported versions.

Key Considerations

• Evaluate consumer distribution between Vue 2 and Vue 3
• Choose dual support approach based on component complexity
• Test thoroughly against supported versions
• Plan for eventual Vue 2 deprecation
• Communicate version requirements clearly

Common Questions

How can design systems support both Vue 2 and Vue 3?

Several approaches enable supporting both Vue versions. The right choice depends on design system complexity and team capacity.

Separate packages provide clearest separation. @design-system/vue2 and @design-system/vue3 are independent packages. This enables version-specific optimizations but requires maintaining two codebases.

Shared source with conditional builds uses a single codebase. Build tools produce separate packages for each Vue version. Abstractions or compile-time conditions handle version differences.

Runtime detection adapts to the installed Vue version. A single package checks which Vue version is present and behaves accordingly. This simplifies consumer installation but adds runtime complexity.

Vue-demi library helps with dual support. It provides unified imports that work across Vue versions, reducing the abstraction code design systems must write.

How should design systems plan for Vue 2 end-of-life?

Vue 2 reached end-of-life at the end of 2023. Design systems should have plans for this transition.

Communication helps consumers prepare. Announcing Vue 2 support deprecation timelines gives consumers notice to migrate their applications.

Maintenance reduction may be appropriate. Limiting Vue 2 support to critical bug fixes and security issues focuses effort on Vue 3.

Clear timelines set expectations. Stating when Vue 2 support will end entirely (such as a specific design system version) helps consumers plan.

Migration resources help consumers transition. Guidance on upgrading from Vue 2 to Vue 3 versions of the design system assists consumer migration.

Legacy branches can extend support. Maintaining a Vue 2 support branch for critical fixes while main development targets Vue 3 serves both audiences.

Summary

Vue version support decisions are significant due to differences between Vue 2 and Vue 3. Design systems can support single versions, both versions through various approaches, or separate packages. Planning for Vue 2 end-of-life and clear communication help consumers navigate version transitions.