# Project Lifecycle Management

**Last Updated**: 2025-01-27
**Purpose**: Define project lifecycle stages and transition processes

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## Overview

This document defines the standard lifecycle stages for projects in the workspace and guidelines for managing transitions between stages.

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## Lifecycle Stages

### 1. Planning
**Definition**: Project is in planning phase, requirements being defined

**Characteristics**:
- Requirements gathering
- Architecture design
- Documentation creation
- Team formation
- Resource allocation

**Documentation Requirements**:
- Project proposal
- Requirements document
- Architecture design
- Implementation plan

**Status Indicator**: 🚧 Planning

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### 2. Development
**Definition**: Project is in active development

**Characteristics**:
- Active code development
- Regular commits
- Feature implementation
- Testing and iteration
- Active team involvement

**Documentation Requirements**:
- README with setup instructions
- Development guide
- API documentation (if applicable)
- Contributing guidelines

**Status Indicator**: 🚧 Development

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### 3. Stable
**Definition**: Project is production-ready and in maintenance mode

**Characteristics**:
- Production-ready code
- Stable APIs
- Comprehensive documentation
- Regular maintenance updates
- Bug fixes and minor improvements

**Documentation Requirements**:
- Complete README
- Deployment guide
- API documentation
- Troubleshooting guide
- Maintenance guidelines

**Status Indicator**: ✅ Stable

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### 4. Deprecated
**Definition**: Project is no longer actively maintained, migration path available

**Characteristics**:
- No new features
- Critical bug fixes only
- Migration path documented
- End-of-life date set
- Replacement project identified

**Documentation Requirements**:
- Deprecation notice
- Migration guide
- End-of-life timeline
- Replacement project information

**Status Indicator**: ⚠️ Deprecated

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### 5. Archived
**Definition**: Project is archived, historical reference only

**Characteristics**:
- No active development
- No support provided
- Historical reference only
- Code preserved for reference

**Documentation Requirements**:
- Archive notice
- Historical context
- Link to replacement (if applicable)

**Status Indicator**: 📦 Archived

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## Lifecycle Transitions

### Planning → Development
**Trigger**: Requirements finalized, architecture approved, team ready

**Requirements**:
- Requirements document approved
- Architecture design complete
- Team assigned
- Development environment ready

**Actions**:
- Update project status
- Set up development infrastructure
- Begin development work

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### Development → Stable
**Trigger**: Project is production-ready, features complete

**Requirements**:
- All planned features implemented
- Tests passing
- Documentation complete
- Security review completed
- Performance acceptable

**Actions**:
- Update project status
- Create release documentation
- Deploy to production
- Update documentation

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### Stable → Deprecated
**Trigger**: Project is being replaced or no longer needed

**Requirements**:
- Replacement project identified
- Migration path planned
- End-of-life date set
- Stakeholders notified

**Actions**:
- Add deprecation notice
- Create migration guide
- Set end-of-life date
- Update documentation

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### Any → Archived
**Trigger**: Project is no longer needed, historical reference only

**Requirements**:
- Decision to archive approved
- Historical documentation prepared
- Code preserved

**Actions**:
- Move to archive location
- Update documentation
- Add archive notice
- Preserve code and documentation

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## Status Tracking

### Status Indicators
- 🚧 Planning
- 🚧 Development
- ✅ Stable
- ⚠️ Deprecated
- 📦 Archived

### Status Updates
- Update README.md with current status
- Update main README status
- Document status change date
- Notify stakeholders (if applicable)

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## Maintenance Responsibilities

### Planning Stage
- Product owner / Project manager
- Architecture team

### Development Stage
- Development team
- Technical lead

### Stable Stage
- Maintenance team
- Technical lead
- DevOps team

### Deprecated Stage
- Migration team
- Technical lead
- Support team (limited)

### Archived Stage
- Archive maintainer
- Historical reference only

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## Review Process

### Quarterly Reviews
- Review all projects
- Update status if needed
- Document status changes
- Plan transitions

### Transition Reviews
- Review before major transitions
- Document transition rationale
- Update all documentation
- Notify stakeholders

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## Best Practices

### Status Accuracy
- Keep status up-to-date
- Review regularly
- Document changes
- Communicate changes

### Documentation
- Document current stage
- Document transition history
- Maintain stage-specific documentation
- Keep documentation current

### Communication
- Notify stakeholders of status changes
- Document transition decisions
- Maintain transparency
- Regular status updates

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## Examples

### Example 1: Development → Stable
**Project**: dbis_core
**Transition Date**: TBD
**Requirements Met**: ✅
**Documentation**: ✅ Complete
**Status**: Ready for transition when requirements met

### Example 2: Planning → Development
**Project**: dbis_portal
**Current Status**: 🚧 Planning
**Next Steps**: Complete requirements, begin development

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**Last Updated**: 2025-01-27
**Next Review**: Q2 2025