Files
docs/PROJECT_LIFECYCLE.md
2026-02-09 21:51:46 -08:00

5.3 KiB

Project Lifecycle Management

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


Overview

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


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


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


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


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Definition: Project is no longer actively maintained, migration path available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


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Definition: Project is archived, historical reference only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  • Historical reference only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


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

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

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

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

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)

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

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

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

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


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