To ensure the long-term performance, security, and sustainability of DHIS2, we have been working over several years to modernize core functionality—culminating in the development of the new Data Entry app and the Capture app. With the release of DHIS2 version 42, technical upgrades make it no longer feasible to support the old Data Entry and Tracker Capture apps.
As a result, these legacy apps will be officially retired and will not be available in version 42 and beyond.
Follow along in our series of announcements
This announcement kicks off a series of updates and resources we’ll be sharing in the lead-up to, during, and after the DHIS2 version 42 release in May 2025. Our goal is to help you navigate these transitions with clarity and confidence by helping you:
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Understand the reasons behind these shifts
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Know what to expect and what actions may be needed
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Learn from the experiences of others who’ve already made the move
Why This Change Is Happening
This isn’t just a technical upgrade—it’s a strategic step forward for the entire DHIS2 ecosystem:
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Built for the Future
The new apps are powered by a modern backend framework, to make sure DHIS2 core is able to keep up with new challenges related to performance, scalability, and security. -
Continuous Delivery
The new apps are on a continuous release cycle, meaning you get new features, improvements, and bug fixes more often—without waiting for a major DHIS2 version. Unlike the legacy apps, which only received updates with core releases [ Continuous Application Delivery - DAC2021 ] -
Designed Around You
These apps were built using community feedback and usability testing to ensure a cleaner, more intuitive experience for all users. [ Functional-design, Usability-testing]
This change allows us to invest fully in the tools that best support your workflows—today and into the future.
What This Means for You
If you’re still using the legacy apps, now is the time to plan your transition to the new apps. The new apps are packed with powerful features and recent updates to better support your workflows. Here’s a snapshot of what you’ll gain:
Capture App
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Consolidated Data Collection – The Capture app brings together Tracker and Event Capture in one streamlined tool, reducing complexity and making data collection more efficient and maintainable. [Tracker to Capture Transition Kit]
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Extend with Plugins – Plugins let you add custom features directly into DHIS2 apps, without needing to modify or fork the core code. They work like built-in components, making it easy to tailor the system to your needs. [Plugins with Capture app]
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Utilizing Tracker API – The Capture app uses the new Tracker API (introduced in v2.36), offering improved performance and new capabilities. The legacy API will be removed in v42, so upgrading ensures continued compatibility. [New Tracker API]
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Unified Rule Engine Across Web & Android – Program rules now run on the same engine across platforms, meaning users get consistent behavior whether on web or mobile. This improves the user experience, reduces duplicated development, and ensures predictable, reliable program logic. [ Expression-parser, Rule-Engine ]
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Streamlined Workflow Features -The Capture app includes powerful features like configurable and shareable working lists at both tracked entity and program stage levels, as well as bulk actions for completing or deleting enrollments and events—streamlining day-to-day tasks. [ Working Lists, Bulk Actions ]
Data Entry App
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Reliable Offline Data Entry – Improved offline-capable with a refreshed design, the new Data Entry app ensures smooth performance in an environment with unstable connections. [ Offline Data Entry (Beta) App]
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Evolving Custom Form Support – Custom forms now support HTML and CSS, while JavaScript is no longer supported—a change that improves security and stability. Many common customizations are now available natively. We encourage you to review your forms ahead of v42, and a detailed guide will be shared soon to help you adapt. [ Feature spotlight webinar pptx.]
We’re Here to Support You
We know transitions take time. Over the coming months, we’ll be rolling out materials to support your move, including:
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Training & Resources – Step-by-step guides and videos to guide your transition.
- Tracker to Capture Transition Kit
- Old to New Data Entry App Transition Kit (coming soon)
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Community Support – Share experiences and get help from others in our new app-focused discussion space
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User Stories – Learn from others’ experiences and best practices and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ´s) (coming soon)
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Quality Metrics & Testing Insights – We’ll share insights from testing on country instances, results from Quality Assurance (QA) processes, and performance data to give you visibility into app stability and improvements. (Coming soon).
Final note
By focusing on the apps that support innovation and scalability, we’re building a stronger DHIS2 platform for everyone.
Let’s move forward—together.
—
The DHIS2 Core Team
