(unofficial) Chocolatey Package Deprecater/Retirer (Script)

Maintainers can use (unofficial) Chocolatey Package Deprecater/Retirer (Script) to rewrite a .nuspec file for either deprecating or retiring a Chocolatey package. This Windows PowerShell script concentrates the metadata changes involved in those two maintenance tasks, so the relevant Chocolatey guidance does not have to be repeatedly located and reviewed. It always creates a backup of the original .nuspec file before making any edits.

When retirement is selected, the script can generate the required chocolateyInstall.ps1 file as part of the updated package contents. It can also add a “cute” iconUrl to the package information, giving maintainers an optional way to decorate the resulting metadata. Running CDEPRECATE -help displays guidance for the available options and switches.

The tool is intended for Chocolatey package maintainers and creators handling occasional deprecation or retirement work, rather than for everyday package installation. Bill Curran is the developer, and the Windows release is freeware, with version 2022.03.15 identified as the current version. Its focused file-rewriting behavior distinguishes it from general package-management utilities by addressing the specific transition procedures for packages being deprecated or retired.