Why Deprecations Matter
Elasticsearch evolves rapidly, and features that work today may be removed in future versions. The deprecations check helps you identify usage of deprecated APIs, settings, and features before they become breaking changes, ensuring smooth upgrades and preventing unexpected failures.
The deprecations check proactively scans your cluster configuration, mappings, queries, and usage patterns to identify deprecated features. By addressing these warnings early, you can maintain compatibility with newer Elasticsearch versions and avoid emergency migrations.
Deprecation Detection APIs
Deprecation APIsES 7.0+
GET /_migration/deprecations - Cluster deprecationsGET /index/_migration/deprecations - Index deprecationsGET /_nodes/hot_threads - Runtime deprecationsGET /_cluster/settings - Settings deprecations✅ What This Check Identifies
- • Deprecated cluster settings
- • Obsolete index configurations
- • Legacy mapping types
- • Deprecated query syntax
- • Outdated API usage
- • Plugin compatibility issues
🔧 Deprecation Categories
- • Critical: Removed in next major version
- • Warning: Scheduled for removal
- • Info: Performance or behavior changes
- • Template: Index template issues
- • Mapping: Field mapping problems
Common Deprecation Patterns
1. Mapping Types (Removed in 8.0)
# Deprecated (ES 6.x and earlier)
PUT /my-index/my-type/_mapping
{
"properties": {
"field1": { "type": "text" }
}
}
# Modern approach (ES 7.x+)
PUT /my-index/_mapping
{
"properties": {
"field1": { "type": "text" }
}
}Migration Impact
- • All indices must use _doc type
- • Update application code and scripts
- • Reindex multi-type indices
- • Modify index templates
ElasticDoctor Detection
- • Scans all index mappings
- • Identifies custom types
- • Checks index templates
- • Validates application queries
2. Cluster Settings
# Common deprecated settings: cluster.routing.allocation.same_shard.host # Use ...awareness.attributes index.merge.policy.max_merged_segment # Use index.merge.policy.max_merge_at_once index.translog.flush_threshold_ops # Use index.translog.flush_threshold_size discovery.zen.minimum_master_nodes # Use cluster.initial_master_nodes node.max_local_storage_nodes # No longer supported
Settings Migration
- • Update elasticsearch.yml
- • Modify cluster settings API calls
- • Review index templates
- • Update deployment scripts
Version Changes
- • ES 7.x: Many zen discovery settings
- • ES 8.x: Transport and security settings
- • ES 9.x: Index lifecycle settings
- • Each version: Performance tuning settings
3. Query Syntax Changes
# Deprecated query patterns:
{
"query": {
"bool": {
"must": {
"match": {
"field": {
"query": "value",
"type": "phrase" # Deprecated: use match_phrase
}
}
}
}
}
}
# Modern equivalent:
{
"query": {
"bool": {
"must": {
"match_phrase": {
"field": "value"
}
}
}
}
}Query Updates
- • Replace deprecated query types
- • Update aggregation syntax
- • Modify script parameters
- • Review sorting options
Application Impact
- • Update client libraries
- • Modify search queries
- • Test query performance
- • Update documentation
Migration Planning Strategy
📋 Migration Roadmap
Phase 1: Assessment
- • Run deprecation check across all clusters
- • Catalog all deprecated features in use
- • Prioritize by criticality and effort
- • Estimate migration timeline
Phase 2: Planning
- • Create migration plan for each deprecation
- • Identify application code changes needed
- • Plan testing and validation procedures
- • Schedule migration windows
✅ Migration Best Practices
Testing Strategy
- • Test migrations in development first
- • Validate functionality after changes
- • Performance test updated queries
- • Create rollback procedures
Implementation
- • Address critical deprecations first
- • Update in small, manageable batches
- • Monitor for issues after each change
- • Document all modifications
Common Deprecation Issues
🚨 Critical: Breaking Changes Detected
Features in use will be removed in the next major version, requiring immediate attention.
Priority Actions:
- 1. Document all breaking changes and their impact
- 2. Create migration plan with timelines
- 3. Update applications and configurations
- 4. Test thoroughly in staging environment
- 5. Plan coordinated production rollout
⚠️ Warning: Deprecated Features in Use
Features marked for future removal are actively being used in your cluster.
Planning Actions:
- • Review deprecation timeline and removal schedule
- • Research recommended alternatives
- • Plan migration during maintenance windows
- • Update documentation and procedures
- • Monitor for additional deprecations
ℹ️ Info: Performance Impact Changes
Some features may have performance implications or behavior changes in newer versions.
Evaluation Steps:
- • Analyze performance impact of changes
- • Test with realistic workloads
- • Consider gradual rollout strategy
- • Monitor performance metrics closely
- • Have rollback plan ready
Deprecation Management Best Practices
✅ Proactive Monitoring
- • Run deprecation checks regularly
- • Monitor Elasticsearch release notes
- • Set up alerts for new deprecations
- • Include checks in CI/CD pipeline
- • Track migration progress
- • Document all changes made
💡 Planning Tips
- • Address deprecations before they become critical
- • Test changes in non-production environments
- • Plan migrations during low-traffic periods
- • Have rollback procedures ready
- • Coordinate with application teams
❌ Common Mistakes
- • Ignoring deprecation warnings
- • Waiting until forced to upgrade
- • Not testing changes thoroughly
- • Making changes without documentation
- • Upgrading without migration plan
- • Not coordinating with dependent systems
⚠️ Risk Factors
- • Critical deprecations near removal date
- • Complex application integrations
- • Large-scale data migrations required
- • Limited maintenance windows
- • Lack of testing environments
Deprecation Check Examples
Check Cluster Deprecations
# Get all cluster-level deprecations
GET /_migration/deprecations
# Check specific index deprecations
GET /my-index/_migration/deprecations
# Example response:
{
"cluster_settings": [
{
"level": "critical",
"message": "setting [cluster.routing.allocation.node_concurrent_recoveries] is deprecated",
"url": "https://...",
"details": "Use cluster.routing.allocation.node_concurrent_incoming_recoveries instead"
}
],
"node_settings": [],
"index_settings": {
"my-index": [
{
"level": "warning",
"message": "index template [legacy_template] uses deprecated _template API",
"url": "https://...",
"details": "Use composable index templates instead"
}
]
}
}ElasticDoctor Integration
🔍 How ElasticDoctor Analyzes Deprecations
Automated Detection
ElasticDoctor automatically scans cluster configurations, mappings, and settings to identify deprecated features and provides prioritized recommendations for migration.
Impact Assessment
Evaluates the business impact of each deprecation and provides migration timelines based on Elasticsearch release schedules and criticality levels.
Migration Planning
Generates comprehensive migration plans with step-by-step instructions, testing procedures, and rollback strategies for each deprecated feature.
Continuous Monitoring
Continuously monitors for new deprecations across Elasticsearch versions and provides early warnings to help plan future upgrades.
Staying Ahead of Changes
Key Benefits
- • Prevents unexpected breaking changes
- • Enables planned, controlled migrations
- • Maintains compatibility with newer versions
- • Reduces emergency maintenance situations
Action Plan
- • Schedule regular deprecation checks
- • Create migration roadmap for identified issues
- • Test changes in staging environments
- • Monitor Elasticsearch release announcements