Python Lifecycle: End Of Life And Support Status
Last updated on November 10, 2023
Python is an interpreted programming language, which means that the implementations execute the instructions directly without having to compile the code into a machine-understandable language. Moreover, it is also an object-oriented language, which means that it is based on attributes.
Python is a high-level programming language used for multiple purposes, which is why a Python developer can create different types of programs. With its easy-to-understand and brief syntax, it allows the developers to write complex programs in a limited number of lines.
Support status guide
End of life (EOL) is the end of a product’s useful life. When a product reaches the end of its life cycle, the manufacturer no longer supports it. The following table explains the different phases of a product’s lifecycle. Testing status is when the product is initially released and EOL is when product support is no longer offered. The time between these two points is the support timeframe.
Testing
The software is not yet publicly available. It is in testing phase i.e., alpha, beta, release preview etc.
Active
The software is actively supported by the vendor.
Phasing Out
The software will soon reach its end of life. You need to look for upgrade or migration options. The software will automatically go into phasing out status 2 months before end of life.
End Of Life
The software is no longer supported by the vendor. You need to make sure your system and environment are safe.
Version
Released
Active Support
Security Support
After 2018, with the release of Python version 3.7, a newer version is released every year. It is then supported for a total of 5 years from the release date, which is divided into Active Support and Security support.
Active Support is offered for 1.5 years, during which the Python version receives security updates as well as bug fixes. In the remaining 3.5 years, the Python version is in the Security Support phase, where they only receive security patches.
Starting with Python version 3.13, each version will receive 2 years of Active Support and 3 years of Security Support. This information can be confirmed by the official Python Enhancement Proposals (PEPs).
You can find accurate information about the upcoming releases and which Python version is receiving which kind of support on the Python status webpage.
EOLs
