[POLL] Remove pre and post task functionality

[agardnerIT]

Note: This poll specifically and only discusses the task functionality NOT the SLO evaluation functionality.

Keptn (currently) offers the following core functionality:

1. Pre and post tasks
2. Pre and post SLO evaluations
3. OpenTelemetry traces and tracking of deployments
4. A single source metrics server

I understand the applicability of 2, 3 and 4, but I don't see the applicability of 1.

If the pre and post checks were truly fully functional, Keptn would allow workflow-like abilities. But it has been stated by the maintainers that this explicitly is out of scope for the project.

By removing this functionality, we:

a) Simplify the development and maintenance effort
b) Remove the danger of Keptn by removing it's ability to block a deployment (without a good reason ie. a failing SLO)
c) Simplify the messaging of what Keptn is and who it is aimed at

[thisthat]

You arguments are valid, but I'd like challenge the following:

b) Remove the danger of Keptn by removing it's ability to block a deployment (without a good reason ie. a failing SLO)

Let's say that in the next deployment, we need to perform a DB migration. If the DB migration KeptnTask fails, it makes sense to prevent the deployment from progressing since the DB is not ready to support the new version of my App.

Post tasks are essential at the moment to allow users to have a "promotion" step so the new App version can be propagated to the next environment

[agardnerIT]

I agree that the usecases are important. However, both of these usecases can already be achieved in other established and adopted tools.

If the pre and post tasks become workflow-capable then I may change my stance and agree with you, but that problem has already been solved by other tooling.

[mowies]

Can you give an example on how to achieve gitops promotion without the KeptnTasks? In my mind, that's a really important use case right now.

[mowies]

I think this discussion can be closed.
The poll result suggests to keep the functionality.