- Status: accepted
- Date: 2024-08-04
With the release of govuk-frontend v5.3.0, which includes a password field, we are considering whether to integrate this feature into our frontend library. Given that authentication for most services is handled by a central service (e.g., GG or the upcoming OLFG), the need for a library component for password fields may not be widespread. There are also considerations around the engineering cost of creating and maintaining such a component.
- Centralized authentication services reducing the need for a password field component
- Engineering cost of maintenance and development
- Potential future demand for this component
- Immediately include the password field feature from govuk-frontend v5.3.0
- Defer the inclusion of the password field feature until there is a demonstrated need
Chosen option: "Defer the inclusion of the password field feature until there is a demonstrated need", because it allows us to focus on components with a clear demand and reduces the maintenance burden. This decision is reversible, and we remain open to revisiting it should a significant need for this component arise from our services.
- Keeps the library focused on widely used components
- Reduces unnecessary maintenance and development work
- Flexible approach that can adapt to future demands
- Teams needing the password field immediately may have to implement their own solutions
- Good, because it provides immediate feature completeness.
- Bad, because it likely adds an unused feature for most teams, increasing maintenance overhead.
- Good, because it aligns our resources with current needs and reduces overhead.
- Good, because it leaves room to adapt based on future demand.
- Bad, because teams with immediate needs must find alternative solutions.