48

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.

Kara
  • 6,115
  • 16
  • 50
  • 57
Jovik
  • 4,046
  • 6
  • 24
  • 24

3 Answers3

52

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.

Martin Bonner supports Monica
  • 28,528
  • 3
  • 51
  • 88
Dimitris Fasarakis Hilliard
  • 150,925
  • 31
  • 268
  • 253
  • 1
    For the release and end-of-life dates of former Python versions, see [this link](https://devguide.python.org/devcycle/#end-of-life-branches). – normanius Oct 28 '20 at 15:27
42

Updated schedule (as of August 2022):

  • Python 3.4: reached End Of Life
  • Python 3.5: reached End Of Life
  • Python 3.6: reached End Of Life
  • Python 3.7: security fixes only, no bug fixes will be provided; End Of Life: 2023-06-27
  • Python 3.8: security fixes only, no bug fixes will be provided; End Of Life: 2024-10
  • Python 3.9: security fixes only, no bug fixes will be provided; End Of Life: 2025-10
  • Python 3.10: security fixes AND bug fixes will be provided; End Of Life: 2026-10
  • Python 3.11: security fixes AND bug fixes will be provided; End Of Life: 2027-10

Source: https://devguide.python.org/#status-of-python-branches

Also notice that Python release cycle has changed to 12 months since Python 3.9. See PEP-602 for more details. It used to be 18 months for Python 3.8 and prior releases. This means we should see Python 3.9 before end of year 2020!

Tagar
  • 13,911
  • 6
  • 95
  • 110
9

Each Python release gets a Release Schedule PEP which includes information about the planned lifespan. For 3.3: https://www.python.org/dev/peps/pep-0398/#id11

eigil
  • 465
  • 10
  • 17