Deprecated tools & features¶

These interfaces and tools still work (or still ship) but are no longer developed. Plan to move off them; each entry says what to use instead.

Perl API — deprecated¶

The Perl API (the Understand module, run with uperl) is deprecated as of 2026 and will no longer be maintained. It will be removed in a future release.

Use instead: the Python API. This applies to Perl CodeCheck checks (.upl) too — write new checks in Python (.upy). See Which API should I use? and Breaking API changes in 8.0.

C API — legacy¶

The classic C API (the udb.h interface) still ships and existing C/C++ programs that link against it keep working, but it is legacy: it receives no new features. Do not start new projects on it.

Use instead: the Python API. See Which API should I use?.

Individual deprecated Python API methods¶

The Python API is the recommended interface, but a few individual methods are marked deprecated (the type stubs flag them with @deprecated, and the shipped API reference notes each replacement):

Deprecated	Use instead
`add_annotation_file`	Deprecated since 6.0
`map`	Alias of `add()`
`option`	Equivalent to `options`
`simplename`	`understand.Ent.name()`

Legacy CHM help — retired¶

The old Windows-only compiled-help file (understand.chm) is being retired in favor of this documentation site, which ships as a self-contained HTML bundle inside the product and is also published on the web. Use the in-product Help and the docs site rather than the CHM.

`und convert` command — removed¶

The und convert command is no longer supported. Running und help convert returns a message directing you to contact support. There is no replacement command; contact SciTools support if you have a workflow that depended on it.

TrackBack and SourcePublisher — no longer developed¶

TrackBack and SourcePublisher are older standalone tools that SciTools no longer develops or supports. They can still be downloaded from the SciTools archive, but no support is offered for them.