# Versioning and Upgrade Guide

This document explains version compatibility and upgrade expectations for cBioPortal.

# Supported Versions

# v7 Database Compatibility

Starting with v7, cBioPortal:

• Uses ClickHouse as the sole database backend
• Does not support MySQL
• Is not compatible with:
  • v6 portal configuration files
  • v6 study importer tools
  • Existing MySQL-based deployments

Upgrading from v6 to v7 requires re-deploying the portal and re-importing studies using v7-compatible tooling.

# v6 Maintenance Policy

v6 is maintained in the maintenance-v6 branch:

• Only important security fixes will be released
• No bug fixes or new features
• No compatibility updates for new data sources

Users who cannot migrate immediately to v7 should remain on the latest v6 maintenance release.

# Choosing the Right Version

• New deployments: Use v6 until the first stabilized v7 released
• Existing v6 deployments:
  • Stay on v6 short-term
  • Plan migration to v7
• Development and contributions:
  • Target master (v7)
  • Do not open PRs against v6 unless requested for security

# Migration Notes

Detailed migration guides will be provided as v7 stabilizes. At a minimum, migration involves:

• Switching to ClickHouse
• Updating deployment configuration
• Re-importing studies using v7 tooling