We are pleased to announce we are working on the next major release of Timefold Solver 2.0. This release represents a substantial evolution of the solver, focused on:
- delivering a cleaner API
- improved maintainability
# What’s coming in Timefold Solver 2.0
# 1. A streamlined, future-ready API
When Timefold continued OptaPlanner, we kept a number of legacy and deprecated APIs to ensure a smooth transition for early adopters. Today, those legacy constructs limit our ability to innovate.
With Solver 2.0, we will remove all deprecated functionality. This will:
- Simplify and modernize the developer experience
- Reduce ambiguity and technical debt
- Unlock future improvements in performance, stability, and usability
# 2. Significant ease of use improvements
Over the past year, we’ve introduced several enhancements to reduce complexity and speed up model development, including:
- Custom Shadow Variables (replacing most custom VariableListener implementations)
- @PlanningListVariable (now fully equivalent in capability to chained variables)
Solver 2.0 continues this process by removing:
- Classic VariableListener implementations
- Chained planning variables
- Additional legacy constructs that no longer provide value, many of which have been deprecated for years.
These changes make Timefold Solver easier to adopt and significantly reduces the learning curve for new engineers.
Introducing Enterprise license keys
Disclaimer: Only for Timefold Enterprise Clients
Beginning with Timefold Solver Enterprise 2.0, enterprise customers will be required to configure a Timefold Enterprise license key.
This ensures:
- Proper activation and compliance for enterprise deployments
- Access to enterprise-grade features and support
Configuration is straightforward and will be documented clearly in the migration guide. The new license key mechanism is designed to minimize operational overhead while aligning with industry-standard enterprise software practices.
# A clear and guided upgrade path
To make the transition to Solver 2.0 as smooth as possible, we will provide:
- A comprehensive migration guide outlining every required change
- OpenRewrite recipes to automate the majority of updates
- A structured plan for larger changes that cannot be automated
Our goal is to reduce risk and ensure predictable upgrade timelines for enterprise teams.
# Long-term support for Timefold Solver 1.x
We recognize the importance of stability and predictability in enterprise environments.
- Timefold Solver Enterprise Edition 1.x will continue to be supported in line with support clauses in contracts and released versions will remain available from our repository.
- Timefold Solver Community Edition 1.x will be maintained throughout 2026 with quarterly bug-fix releases and security updates.
This gives organizations ample flexibility in planning their migration window. In the case these timelines would be troublesome for your organization, please reach out to us so we can understand your situation and find alternative solutions.
# How to start preparing today
You can begin preparing your codebase for Solver 2.0 now:
Proactively adopting these changes will make the final upgrade significantly easier.
# What’s next
Upon release, we will:
- Publish the full list of changes, including details about license key configuration
- Keep the migration guide continuously updated
Thank you for your partnership and continued trust. We are excited to bring you the next generation of Timefold Solver. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us through your enterprise contact.
