Remove Question Types Flash and Java Applet

1 Initial Problem

Embedded test question types "Java Applet" and "Flash" are relying on outdated technology (esp. Flash). And we do not know any more user who is using these question types and could provide us examples to test both types accordingly in Test Rail. Therefore, both question types should be removed from ILIAS with 5.4.

• Removal of entries in Administration » Test&Assessment
• Removal of existing questions from all Test Question Pools per DB update step
• Notification of main system admin per script about existing questions of both types to delete them manually in tests.
• Deletion of all related language variables.

2 Technical Information

{The maintainer has to provide necessary technical information, e.g. dependencies on other ILIAS components, necessary modifications in general services/architecture, potential security or performance issues.}

3 Contact

• Author of the Request: Kunkel, Matthias [mkunkel]
• Maintainer: Heyser, Björn [bheyser]
• Implementation of the feature is done by: {The maintainer must add the name of the implementing developer.}

4 Funding

If you are interest in funding this feature, please add your name and institution to this list.

• …

5 Discussion

Heyser, Björn [bheyser], 20 Jan 2018: To reduce the maintenance efforts required for the T&A component the maintainer supports the request for abandoning both question types, although I have in mind some users out there that make use of them.

Flash is indeed outdated and the missing compatiblity on user clients will increase more and more. For the Java Applets an official sign process is required to reach a comfortable user feeling on client machines nowadays.

The question types might be re-established in the form of question type plugins when they are still in productive use.

Tödt, Alexandra [atoedt]: Two years ago I already informed the community about the impeding abandonnement of these question types using various channels. Those still using it came out of the woods and were tolde to seek alternatives for their questions: drop them, migrate them, whatever. Those who have not done so by now will be lefte behind. They had ample time.  

JourFixe, ILIAS [jourfixe], 22 JAN 2018 : We highly appreciate this suggestion and decide to remove 'Flash' and 'Java Applet' question types from ILIAS with 5.4. Please consider to implement a new question type 'Deprecated Question Type' that replaces all removed question types as well as uninstalled question plugins.

Lauener, Hansjörg [lauener], 14.6.2018. Yes, we should abandon these question types.

Rabah, Rachid [rabah], 14 JUN 2018: These question types are obsolete and should therefor be abandond. We do not use them at all and support this matter.

JourFixe, ILIAS [jourfixe], 15 OCT 2018 : We accept the suggestion by Björn to remove the option to create Flash and Java Applet questions with 5.4. Existing question will still be supported and can be used in tests. But no new questions can be created. @ Björn: Please add a related notice in the section "Changed Behaviour" of the Release 5.4 page to notify all users. And please update the test cases accordingly.

6 Implementation

{The maintainer has to give a description of the final implementation and add screenshots if possible.}

Test Cases

Test cases completed at {date} by {user}

• {Test case number linked to Testrail} : {test case title}

Approval

Approved at {date} by {user}.