When will Classic Labs be deprecated
Starting August 2025, zyBooks will no longer allow creating, copying, or cloning classic zyLabs. Existing classic zyLabs can still be used by students and edited by instructors. zyBooks maintained labs have already begun transitioning to advanced labs, but any instructor created content you'd like to keep would need to be converted before July 2026.
In July 2026, zyBooks will fully deprecate classic zyLabs. Instructors and students cannot use Classic zyLabs after that deprecation.
Converting Classic Labs
Converting a classic lab is an easy process. The “Upgrade this zyLab ” button converts the current classic lab to advanced.
If the classic lab has submissions, then clicking “Convert this zyLab“ opens a confirmation modal.
A loader will indicate the conversion process.
After conversion, the advanced zyLab will open automatically. If the classic lab was part of an assignment, the advanced lab will now be part of that assignment, as visible at the top of this section.
The content of the page, including instructions, will be retained, while the lab will now be an advanced zyLab.
The original lab, along with its submissions, is placed in the unused chapter.
That section will remain readable, along with its submissions.
Advanced Labs benefits
Across hundreds of zyBooks, our published research shows advanced zyLabs deliver equal or better student outcomes than classic zyLabs, with comparable and even lower time-on-task and reported difficulty. Built from the ground up for first-year students, advanced zyLabs combines a simple setup with a professional-grade, cloud-based environment. Students can work with real-time input, powerful Linux tools, popular IDEs like VS Code and Jupyter, and frameworks like React, Django, and MySQL—all within the zyBook. Advanced zyLabs configures these complex environments so students can use real-world tools without any time-intensive, local setup.
For instructors, advanced zyLabs offer deep customization, auto-grading with modern unit testing, collaborative coding, and keystroke-level playback to track student progress and intervene early. Advanced zyLabs transforms the way programming is taught while keeping what made zyLabs effective. For more, see the zyLabs user guide and our help article on using advanced zyLabs in your course.