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---
stage: none
group: unassigned
info: To determine the technical writer assigned to the Stage/Group associated with this page, see https://handbook.gitlab.com/handbook/product/ux/technical-writing/#assignments
---
# Deprecation terms
## Deprecation
- Required before ending support for a feature or removing a feature.
- Feature not recommended for use.
- Development restricted to Priority 1 / Severity 1 bug fixes.
- Will be removed in a future major release.
- Begins after a deprecation announcement outlining an end-of-support or removal date.
- Ends after the end-of-support date or removal date has passed.
## End of Support
- Optional step before removal.
- Feature usage strongly discouraged.
- No support or fixes provided.
- No longer tested internally.
- Will be removed in a future major release.
- Begins after an end-of-support date has passed.
[Announcing an End of Support period](https://handbook.gitlab.com/handbook/marketing/blog/release-posts/#announcing-an-end-of-support-period)
should only be used in special circumstances and is not recommended for general use.
Most features should be deprecated and then removed.
## Removal
- Feature usage impossible.
- Feature no longer supported (if End of Support period hasn't already been announced).
- Happens in a major release in line with our
[semantic versioning policy](../policy/maintenance.md).
- Begins after removal date has passed.
## Breaking change
A "breaking change" is any change that requires users to make a corresponding change to their code, settings, or workflow. "Users" might be humans, API clients, or even code classes that "use" another class. Examples of breaking changes include:
- Removing a user-facing feature without a replacement/workaround.
- Changing the definition of an existing API (by doing things like re-naming query parameters or changing routes).
- Removing a public method from a code class.
A breaking change can be considered major if it affects many users, or represents a significant change in behavior.
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