Is there official guide for Python 3.x release lifecycle?

Jovik picture Jovik · Nov 17, 2016 · Viewed 18.7k times · Source

I just noticed Python 3.2 was removed from the drop down selector in Python Docs. I have a framework using Python 3.3, so I'd like to know when it'll share the same fate, and move to a newer version before this happens.

Is there an official guide on how long Python 3.x gets support, backports, etc.? I couldn't find any information about Python release lifecycle on Python's home page or via search engines.

Answer

Dimitris Fasarakis Hilliard picture Dimitris Fasarakis Hilliard · Nov 17, 2016

Yes, you could look at the table in the Pythons Developer Guide for most releases. Specifically Python 3.3 will have security fixes until 2017-09-29.

Additionally, appropriate PEPs exist (google-able or from the devguide table) for each branch where a lifespan section specifies these. For 3.3 in PEP 398:

3.3 will receive bugfix updates approximately every 4-6 months for approximately 18 months. After the release of 3.4.0 final, a final 3.3 bugfix update will be released. After that, security updates (source only) will be released until 5 years after the release of 3.3 final, which will be September 2017.


For the rest of the actively maintained Pythons, the PEPs are:

See the Lifespan and Schedule sections for details on these.