Should We Drop `sphinx-hoverxref`?

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Introduction

As developers, we often rely on various extensions and tools to enhance our documentation and user experience. However, with the ever-changing landscape of technology, some of these tools may become outdated or deprecated. Recently, I discovered that sphinx-hoverxref has been publicly archived, and its functionality is being replaced by the Link Previews addon on Read the Docs (RTD). In this article, we will explore the implications of dropping sphinx-hoverxref and discuss the pros and cons of using the Link Previews addon.

Background

Sphinx-hoverxref is an extension for Sphinx, a popular documentation generator, that provides hover text and link previews for cross-references. It was a useful tool for developers who wanted to provide additional context and information to their users. However, as of April 9th, 2025, the extension has been deprecated in favor of the Link Previews addon on RTD.

The Issue

During a recent Documentation build CI, I encountered a warning/error that indicated sphinx-hoverxref was no longer supported. The error message was accompanied by an image that highlighted the issue.

Image

Link Previews Addon

The Link Previews addon on RTD is a replacement for sphinx-hoverxref. It provides similar functionality, including hover text and link previews, but with some additional benefits. Some of the advantages of using the Link Previews addon include:

  • Integrated into RTD: The Link Previews addon is seamlessly integrated into RTD, making it easier to use and manage.
  • Improved user experience: The addon provides a more modern and user-friendly experience, with hover text and link previews that are easy to read and understand.
  • Customization options: The Link Previews addon offers some customization options, allowing developers to tailor the experience to their specific needs.

However, there are also some drawbacks to using the Link Previews addon:

  • Local builds: The addon does not work on local builds, which can make it difficult to test and debug documentation.
  • Custom configuration: Some custom configuration options may not be available or may not work as expected with the Link Previews addon.

Should we drop sphinx-hoverxref?

Considering the pros and cons of using the Link Previews addon, it's clear that there are both advantages and disadvantages to dropping sphinx-hoverxref. While the Link Previews addon offers a more modern and user-friendly experience, it also has some limitations, such as not working on local builds and limited customization options.

Conclusion

In conclusion, whether or not to drop sphinx-hoverxref depends on the specific needs and requirements of your project. If you value the benefits of the Link Previews addon, such as improved user experience and customization options, then it may be worth considering dropping sphinx-hoverxref. However, if you rely on the functionality of sphinx-hoverxref for local builds or custom configuration, then it may be worth exploring alternative solutions or workarounds.

Recommendations

If you decide to drop sphinx-hoverxref, here are some recommendations to consider:

  • Migrate to Link Previews addon: If you're using RTD, consider migrating to the Link Previews addon to take advantage of its benefits.
  • Explore alternative solutions: If you rely on the functionality of sphinx-hoverxref for local builds or custom configuration, explore alternative solutions or workarounds.
  • Test and debug: Thoroughly test and debug your documentation to ensure that it works as expected with the Link Previews addon.

Future Directions

As technology continues to evolve, it's essential to stay up-to-date with the latest developments and tools. The deprecation of sphinx-hoverxref is a reminder that even popular tools can become outdated or deprecated. By staying informed and adapting to change, we can ensure that our documentation and user experience remain modern and effective.

References

Introduction

In our previous article, we explored the implications of dropping sphinx-hoverxref and discussed the pros and cons of using the Link Previews addon on Read the Docs (RTD). Now, we'll answer some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about this topic to help you make an informed decision.

Q: What is sphinx-hoverxref and why was it deprecated?

A: Sphinx-hoverxref is an extension for Sphinx, a popular documentation generator, that provides hover text and link previews for cross-references. It was deprecated in favor of the Link Previews addon on RTD because the addon offers a more modern and user-friendly experience, with hover text and link previews that are easy to read and understand.

Q: What are the benefits of using the Link Previews addon?

A: The Link Previews addon offers several benefits, including:

  • Integrated into RTD: The Link Previews addon is seamlessly integrated into RTD, making it easier to use and manage.
  • Improved user experience: The addon provides a more modern and user-friendly experience, with hover text and link previews that are easy to read and understand.
  • Customization options: The Link Previews addon offers some customization options, allowing developers to tailor the experience to their specific needs.

Q: What are the drawbacks of using the Link Previews addon?

A: The Link Previews addon has some limitations, including:

  • Local builds: The addon does not work on local builds, which can make it difficult to test and debug documentation.
  • Custom configuration: Some custom configuration options may not be available or may not work as expected with the Link Previews addon.

Q: Can I still use sphinx-hoverxref?

A: Yes, you can still use sphinx-hoverxref, but it's no longer supported and may not work as expected. If you're using RTD, it's recommended to migrate to the Link Previews addon to take advantage of its benefits.

Q: How do I migrate to the Link Previews addon?

A: To migrate to the Link Previews addon, follow these steps:

  1. Enable the Link Previews addon: Go to your RTD project settings and enable the Link Previews addon.
  2. Update your Sphinx configuration: Update your Sphinx configuration to use the Link Previews addon instead of sphinx-hoverxref.
  3. Test and debug: Thoroughly test and debug your documentation to ensure that it works as expected with the Link Previews addon.

Q: What if I need custom configuration options?

A: If you need custom configuration options, you may need to explore alternative solutions or workarounds. The Link Previews addon offers some customization options, but it may not meet all your specific needs.

Q: Can I use both sphinx-hoverxref and the Link Previews addon?

A: No, you cannot use both sphinx-hoverxref and the Link Previews addon simultaneously. The Link Previews addon is designed to replace sphinx-hoverref, and using both may cause conflicts and unexpected behavior.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the decision to drop sphinx-hoverxref and use the Link Previews addon on RTD depends on your specific needs and requirements. If you value the benefits of the Link Previews addon, such as improved user experience and customization options, then it may be worth considering dropping sphinx-hoverxref. However, if you rely on the functionality of sphinx-hoverxref for local builds or custom configuration, then it may be worth exploring alternative solutions or workarounds.

References