Migration from chainver to chainctl for Chainguard Libraries

TL;DR: Chainguard is consolidating Libraries verification functionality into chainctl. Customers should migrate from chainver to chainctl by February 10, 2026.

Chainguard is migrating the functionality of chainver into our primary CLI, chainctl. This update simplifies the user experience by providing a single tool to verify that your applications are using Chainguard Libraries.

This communication includes the following topics: 

What is changing?

The chainver CLI commands will be replaced by chainctl libraries verify.  chainver functionality remains the same, but is no longer receiving updates and will be deprecated on February 10, 2026.

Why is Chainguard making this change?

This change is being made to simplify the user experience for verifying usage of Chainguard Libraries, and to unify tooling across Chainguard products.

How will this affect me?

Users currently using chainver should begin verifying Libraries using chainctl. Instructions are available [in the Chainguard Libraries Verification documentation](https://edu.chainguard.dev/chainguard/libraries/verification/)

What do I need to do?

• Install or upgrade to the latest version of chainctl: https://edu.chainguard.dev/chainguard/chainctl-usage/how-to-install-chainctl/
• Begin using chainctl libraries verify in place of chainver
• Update scripts or automation if they currently reference chainver

FAQs

• Where can I learn how to use the new commands?
  • See our updated [verification documentation](https://edu.chainguard.dev/chainguard/libraries/verification/)
• Will old chainver commands still work?
  • During the 60-day migration window, public chainver download links will remain active. Any newly reported issues will be prioritized in chainctl updates. 
• How can I verify JavaScript libraries or use other new functionality?
  • New features, usability improvements, and bug fixes will only be applied to chainctl going forwards. Migrate to chainctl to take advantage of these changes and upcoming features.

Need help or have questions?

We're here to help - visit our support portal at support.chainguard.dev.

- Chainguard Team