> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://www.cockroachlabs.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Legacy Kubernetes Deployment Deprecation Notice

export const InternalLink = ({version, path = "", children, ...props}) => {
  let detectedVersion = version || "stable";
  if (typeof window !== 'undefined' && !version) {
    const match = window.location.pathname.match(/\/docs\/([^/]+)/);
    if (match) {
      detectedVersion = match[1];
    }
  }
  const normalizedPath = path.startsWith("/") ? path.slice(1) : path;
  return <a href={`/docs/${detectedVersion}/${normalizedPath}`} {...props}>
      {children}
    </a>;
};

The following two deployment options are now considered "legacy" and will be deprecated in a future release, with a support timeline for existing and upcoming CockroachDB versions.

## Public Kubernetes operator support

The [Public operator](https://github.com/cockroachdb/cockroach-operator) for CockroachDB is now considered "legacy" and will be deprecated in 2027, in favor of the fully-supported <InternalLink path="cockroachdb-operator-overview">CockroachDB operator</InternalLink>. The legacy public operator will continue to be available and supported until the end of maintenance support for all current and future <InternalLink version="releases" path="release-support-policy#support-types">supported major versions of CockroachDB</InternalLink> through v27.2.

CockroachDB v27.3, expected to release in July 2027, will no longer support the legacy public operator. Existing deployments will need to <InternalLink path="migrate-cockroachdb-kubernetes-operator">migrate to the CockroachDB operator</InternalLink> before upgrading to v27.3 or later.

## Helm StatefulSet support

The CockroachDB deployment option of using Helm to deploy CockroachDB nodes as a StatefulSet is now considered a legacy deployment method that will remain fully supported through CockroachDB v27.2, and no longer supported in version v27.3 or later.

All new Kubernetes deployments are strongly recommended to use the <InternalLink path="cockroachdb-operator-overview">CockroachDB operator</InternalLink> and existing Helm StatefulSet deployments will need to <InternalLink path="migrate-cockroachdb-kubernetes-helm">migrate to the CockroachDB operator</InternalLink> before upgrading to v27.3 or later.