# Understanding Abandonment and Slowdown Dynamics in the Maven Ecosystem

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2502.00615 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2502.00615/

## Key facts

- Cited by 2 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 2 Feb 2025.

## Built on by (most cited first, 2 of 2)

- [LogSieve: Task-Aware CI Log Reduction for Sustainable LLM-Based Analysis](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2601.20148/) (2026)
- [The Impact of Configuring Agentic AI Coding Tools on Build-vs-Buy Decisions: A Study Protocol](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2606.03907/) (2026)

## Abstract (arXiv)

The sustainability of libraries is critical for modern software development, yet many libraries face abandonment, posing significant risks to dependent projects. This study explores the prevalence and patterns of library abandonment in the Maven ecosystem. We investigate abandonment trends over the past decade, revealing that approximately one in four libraries fail to survive beyond their creation year. We also analyze the release activities of libraries, focusing on their lifespan and release speed, and analyze the evolution of these metrics within the lifespan of libraries. We find that while slow release speed and relatively long periods of inactivity are often precursors to abandonment, some abandoned libraries exhibit bursts of high frequent release activity late in their life cycle. Our findings contribute to a new understanding of library abandonment dynamics and offer insights for practitioners to identify and mitigate risks in software ecosystems.