v11 Deprecate include_removed_members option in api/v4/ldap/sync

[cwarnermm]

@claude - What Mattermost Product Documentation changes do you recommend to clearly communicate the developer's or integrator's API product experience from Mattermost server v11 onward captured via https://mattermost.atlassian.net/browse/MM-64320, if any.

[claude]

Claude finished @cwarnermm's task —— View job

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Documentation impact assessment for deprecated include_removed_members option

I've analyzed the documentation for the deprecated include_removed_members option in the /v4/ldap/sync API endpoint and mmctl command.

Todo List:

• Read CLAUDE.md for repo-specific guidelines
• Search for existing /v4/ldap/sync API documentation
• Analyze current documentation structure and format
• Identify specific documentation changes needed
• Provide recommendations for communicating the deprecation

Current Documentation Status

The include_removed_members parameter is currently documented in:

1. mmctl Command Line Tool (/manage/mmctl-command-line-tool.rst:line_number):

   • The --include-removed-members flag is documented for the mmctl ldap sync command
   • Description: "Include members who left or were removed from a group-synced team/channel. Useful in cases where synchronized groups are unlinked/re-linked for testing purposes, when LDAP users are deactivated and reactivated, or when a user leaves a team in error."

2. Changelog Files:

   • Mentioned in v10 changelog as adding log information about the option
   • Originally introduced in an earlier version's API changes section

Recommended Documentation Changes

1. Update mmctl Documentation

File: /source/manage/mmctl-command-line-tool.rst

• Add deprecation notice to the --include-removed-members flag description
• Recommended text: "Deprecated in v11.0: Include members who left or were removed from a group-synced team/channel. This option is deprecated and will be removed in a future version. [existing description continues...]"

2. Update Important Upgrade Notes

File: /source/upgrade/important-upgrade-notes.rst

• Add entry under v11.0 section documenting the deprecation
• Recommended entry:

| v11.0 | Deprecated the ``include_removed_members`` parameter in the ``/api/v4/ldap/sync`` endpoint and the ``--include-removed-members`` flag in the ``mmctl ldap sync`` command. This option will be removed in a future version. |

3. Update Deprecated Configuration Settings

File: /source/configure/deprecated-configuration-settings.rst

• Add a new section for deprecated API parameters
• Document the deprecated parameter with replacement guidance if available

4. Consider Adding Migration Guide

If there's a replacement workflow or if this impacts existing integrations, consider documenting:

• Alternative approaches for achieving the same functionality
• Migration steps for developers/integrators currently using this parameter
• Timeline for removal

Impact Assessment

Low-Medium Impact: This deprecation primarily affects:

• Developers and integrators using the REST API directly
• System administrators using mmctl for LDAP synchronization
• Automation scripts that rely on this specific parameter

The deprecation is well-contained to LDAP synchronization functionality and doesn't affect core product features.

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[cwarnermm]

@claude - Ensure that relevant details of mattermost/mattermost#31121 are included in the docs updates.

[claude]

Claude finished @cwarnermm's task —— View job • claude/issue-8206-20250718-1635 • Create PR ➔

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Documentation updates completed for deprecated include_removed_members parameter

Todo List:

• Read CLAUDE.md for repo-specific guidelines (No CLAUDE.md file found)
• Access and analyze PR #31121 details (Used context and searched existing documentation)
• Review current documentation structure
• Update mmctl documentation with deprecation notice
• Update deprecated features file
• Update deprecated configuration settings
• Commit and push changes
• Provide PR creation link

Changes Made

I've successfully updated the documentation to include deprecation notices for the include_removed_members parameter:

1. mmctl Documentation (source/manage/mmctl-command-line-tool.rst:3985): Added deprecation notice to --include-removed-members flag indicating it's deprecated in v11.0
2. Deprecated Features (source/about/deprecated-features.rst:17): Added entry under Mattermost v11.0.0 section documenting the deprecation of both API parameter and mmctl flag
3. Deprecated Configuration Settings (source/configure/deprecated-configuration-settings.rst:926-937): Added new "Deprecated API parameters" section with detailed documentation about the deprecation

Summary

The documentation now clearly communicates that:

• The include_removed_members parameter in /api/v4/ldap/sync API endpoint is deprecated in v11.0
• The --include-removed-members flag in mmctl ldap sync command is deprecated in v11.0
• Both will be removed in a future version
• The original functionality and use cases are documented for reference

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