Replace deprecated python setup.py develop with pip install -e . in extension development docs
Problem: CKAN's official extension development workflow uses python setup.py develop, which is deprecated and will stop working by October 2025.
Current (deprecated):
python setup.py develop
Modern replacement:
pip install -e .
Error developers see:
Please avoid running setup.py and develop.
Instead, use standards-based tools like pip or uv.
By 2025-Oct-31, your builds will no longer be supported.
What needs updating:
Extension development documentation
Extension tutorial/cookiecutter template
Docker development scripts
Any CKAN CLI tools using setup.py develop
Impact: Affects all extension developers. Will become a breaking change in late 2025.
References:
https://github.com/pypa/setuptools/issues/917
https://github.com/ckan/ckan/issues/8382 related discussion in general how extensions and ckan itself should be installed in the future.
When I use ckan config-tool in CKAN 2.11.3 I get the warning: ckan/ckan/cli/cli.py:7: UserWarning: pkg_resources is deprecated as an API. See https://setuptools.pypa.io/en/latest/pkg_resources.html. The pkg_resources package is slated for removal as early as 2025-11-30. Refrain from using this package or pin to Setuptools<81. from pkg_resources import iter_entry_points
I'm not sure if this is related to the issue or if it requires a new one.