[DEPR]: Non-MFE course tab interface for discussions

[ormsbee]

RFC Start Date

2025-02-14

Target Plan Accepted Date

2025-02-28

Target Transition Unblocked Date

2025-02-14

Earliest Breaking Changes Unblocked Date

2025-06-30

Earliest Open edX Named Release Without This Functionality

Ulmo - 2025-06

Rationale

This is part of the general move to consolidate the frontend and remove the non-MFE versions of various user experiences. The MFE replacement for the forums tab has been available since the Olive release.

Removal

Remove the discussions.enable_discussions_mfe waffle flag (original target removal date: 2022-12-05). All sites will now only use the MFE.

Remove code in the lms.djangoapps.discussion package that is specific to the old course tab interface and switching between the MFE and the old interface. Some of this code is in:

• https://github.com/openedx/edx-platform/blob/master/lms/djangoapps/discussion/plugins.py
• https://github.com/openedx/edx-platform/blob/master/lms/djangoapps/discussion/views.py

Code that is needed for the inline discussion view will be preserved, as its deprecation will be coupled with the separate deprecation of the inline discussion XBlock.

Replacement

The Discussions MFE was introduced in the Olive release.

[ormsbee]

Forum post: https://discuss.openedx.org/t/deprecation-non-mfe-course-tab-interface-for-discussions/15012

[robrap]

[inform/request] This ticket was accepted under the old DEPR process. The updated Process States in OEP-21 help add clarity to communications and timing regarding the introduction of breaking changes. This ticket must move to Transition Unblocked before moving to Breaking Changes Unblocked. The default minimum time to wait in Transition Unblocked is 1 month, so early deployers have time to prepare. If you wish to make breaking changes in less than 1 month, please initiate discussions to negotiate a date as soon as possible. Thank you!

[feanil]

The waffle flag (discussions.enable_discussions_mfe) can be set to True and the replacement is considered ready for production.

@robrap given the replacement was ready since the issue was originally created, do you need another month of waiting before this can move to "Breaking Changes Unblocked"?

In either case, I think the correct state for it right now is "Transition Unblocked".

[robrap]

Thanks @feanil. My understanding is that @ormsbee has been in close contact and planning with 2U around all of this, and that there are wiki pages or Slack threads (I can't remember) that discuss this. @ormsbee: Can you add references and did you agree on any dates for this? With whom at 2U did you agree, and can we just ping them on this ticket? Thanks.

UPDATE: Once we get updated dates noted, using the "Review After Date" field and updating the PR Description to match the new template is a great way to add this clarity. Thanks again.