AgentSkillsCN

dependency-deprecation

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SKILL.md
--- frontmatter
name: dependency-deprecation
description: "Pattern for deprecating external dependencies while maintaining backward compatibility. Trigger: removing Java/FIJI/MATLAB, deprecating optional deps"
author: KINTSUGI Team
date: 2025-12-11

Dependency Deprecation Pattern

Experiment Overview

ItemDetails
Date2025-12-11
GoalRemove Java/Maven/FIJI/CLIJ2 dependencies from KINTSUGI while maintaining backward compatibility
EnvironmentPython 3.10+, cross-platform (Windows/Linux/macOS)
StatusSuccess

Context

KINTSUGI originally depended on Java/Maven for PyImageJ and CLIJ2 GPU processing. This created installation friction and cross-platform issues. The goal was to replace these with pure Python implementations (CuPy/NumPy) while allowing legacy users to continue using Java if needed.

Verified Workflow

Step 1: Identify all dependency touchpoints

Search for all references to the dependency:

bash
# Search code
grep -r "java\|Java\|FIJI\|fiji\|clij\|CLIJ\|maven\|Maven\|ImageJ\|imagej" src/ notebooks/

# Check configuration files
grep -r "java\|openjdk\|maven" envs/ pyproject.toml

Files typically affected:

  • pyproject.toml - optional dependencies
  • envs/*.yml - conda environment files
  • src/*/deps.py - dependency checker
  • docs/*.md - documentation
  • Core modules using the dependency

Step 2: Update the core module with deprecation

python
# Example: edf.py - deprecating CLIJ2 backend

import warnings
from typing import Literal

BackendType = Literal["auto", "cupy", "numpy", "clij2"]

def _detect_backend(self, requested: BackendType) -> str:
    """Detect best available backend."""
    if requested == "clij2":
        warnings.warn(
            "CLIJ2 backend is deprecated and will be removed in v2.0. "
            "Use 'cupy' or 'numpy' instead.",
            DeprecationWarning,
            stacklevel=2
        )
        # Still allow it to work for now
        if self._check_clij2_available():
            return "clij2"
        else:
            warnings.warn("CLIJ2 not available, falling back to cupy")
            requested = "auto"

    if requested == "auto":
        # NEW priority order: CuPy > NumPy (CLIJ2 excluded from auto)
        if self._check_cupy_available():
            return "cupy"
        return "numpy"

    return requested

Step 3: Update dependency checker

python
# deps.py - mark as deprecated but keep functional

def _check_java(self, verbose: bool):
    """Check Java installation.

    .. deprecated::
        Java/Maven dependencies are no longer required for core functionality.
        Kept for backward compatibility with legacy CLIJ2 workflows.
    """
    if verbose:
        print("\n[Java/Maven] (DEPRECATED - no longer required)")

    # Still check and report, but don't fail
    try:
        # ... existing check code ...
        if verbose:
            print(f"  [OK]       java v{version} (optional)")
    except Exception as e:
        if verbose:
            print(f"  [SKIP]     java (optional, not required)")

Step 4: Update pyproject.toml

toml
[project.optional-dependencies]
# Keep the optional group but exclude from [full]
java = [
    "JPype1>=1.5.0",
    "scyjava>=1.0.0",
    "pyimagej>=1.4.0",
]

# Remove java from full install
full = [
    "kintsugi[gpu,viz,dl,analysis,bio]",  # Note: java excluded
]

Step 5: Update environment files

yaml
# envs/env-*.yml - comment out with deprecation note

# Java/ImageJ Integration (DEPRECATED - no longer required)
# Uncomment if you need legacy CLIJ2 support:
# - openjdk=11
# - maven
# - jpype1

Step 6: Update documentation

Add deprecation notices to all relevant docs:

markdown
> **Note:** Java, Maven, and FIJI are no longer required. KINTSUGI now uses
> pure Python implementations (CuPy/NumPy) for all processing including EDF.

For historical documents, add a header:

markdown
> **DEPRECATION NOTICE (2025):** This document is historical. Java/Maven/FIJI
> dependencies have been removed. See `src/kintsugi/edf.py` for current implementation.

Failed Attempts (Critical)

AttemptWhy it FailedLesson Learned
Removing code completelyBroke existing user workflowsKeep deprecated code functional
Silent removalUsers confused when code stopped workingAlways emit deprecation warnings
Keeping in [full] installUsers still got Java install failuresExclude from aggregate installs
No migration pathUsers didn't know what to use insteadDocument the replacement clearly

Key Insights

  • Gradual deprecation: Mark as deprecated first, remove in next major version
  • Keep it working: Deprecated doesn't mean broken - users need time to migrate
  • Clear warnings: Use Python's warnings.warn() with DeprecationWarning
  • Document the alternative: Every deprecation notice should say what to use instead
  • Update ALL touchpoints: Code, configs, docs, environment files, README
  • Test both paths: Verify deprecated code still works AND new code works

Checklist for Dependency Deprecation

  • Search entire codebase for dependency references
  • Add deprecation warnings to code using the dependency
  • Update auto-detection to prefer new implementation
  • Keep optional dependency group but exclude from [full]
  • Comment out in environment files with explanation
  • Update installation documentation
  • Add deprecation notices to historical docs
  • Update CLAUDE.md / project documentation
  • Test deprecated path still works
  • Test new path works
  • Update changelog/release notes

References