application development

It’s tough to know all technological stacks in a dynamically changing software business because they’re continually updated, and the process seems to go on forever. 

There are many different technology stacks; each one has its own set of basic features and is used for specialized reasons.  

However, it should be remembered that the stack on which the app was built will become obsolete over time, giving way to more modern technologies. Therefore, making changes to this app may prove to be a genuine struggle. So, what options do we have if we need to make updates to an already-existing app? Let’s compare and contrast application modernization and building bespoke to see which one is best for you. 

Option 1: Legacy Application Modernization 

If you’re thinking about seeking legacy application modernization services, keep in mind that this procedure entails changing the underlying structure of software without affecting its behavior and aiming for a better understanding of the written code. This technology enables on-the-fly enhancements to a program, making future upgrades easier to implement. According to a report by Markets and Markets, The global application modernization services market size is expected to grow  to USD 24.8 billion by 2025, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 16.8% during the forecast period. 

When dealing with refactoring, it’s important to remember that there’s no way to entirely alter technologies or frameworks. Meanwhile, during the application modernization process, there is still the option of making improvements using more modern technology. 

The Advantages of Application Modernization 

  • Compatibility with Any Software Architecture 

It doesn’t matter if the program is monolithic or modular; both can benefit from reworking. 

  • Updating in Steps 

You can take things gently once you finish one piece of work and go on to the next.  

  • Flexibility in a Relative Sense 

When an issue is discovered in only one area of a legacy system, developers may choose to refactor only that portion. 

  • A Single Codebase 

If you choose the legacy app modernization option, you won’t need to construct a new codebase. 

  • Costs 

Because you already have the written code and don’t have to start from scratch, modernization costs are quite modest. 

Application Modernization’s Drawbacks 

  • There isn’t a Universal Solution 

It’s not always about the structure but rather about the functionality. Refactoring is useless in this scenario. Hence it’s advisable to focus on a rewriting solution. 

  • A Broad Skill Set is Required 

When it comes to refactoring, you must be prepared to deal with many complex patterns and ambiguities; therefore, engineers working on the project should be well-versed in this area. 

  • Technologies that are No Longer in Use 

Dealing with refactoring is usually the same as dealing with an old-tech stack; therefore, finding developers willing to work on such a project might be difficult. 

  • There is No Way to Avoid Testing 

It’s self-evident that the program should have the same functionality and meet the same business requirements after refactoring. As a result, testing is a must for successful application modernization. 

Option 2: Developing new Applications 

When it comes to rewriting, coders generate entirely new code through bespoke application development services. Furthermore, while creating an application from the ground up, changes affect not just the inner structure but also the overall operation of the system. According to a report by Truelist, There are approximately 26.9 million software developers in the world. 

The Advantages of Developing a New Application 

  • Limitless Possibilities 

What limits might there be if you choose the best application development technology? There are no limitations imposed by the prior structure if you choose the rewriting option. Other technology stacks that would have been hard to implement in the case of refactoring can now be considered, which is a significant benefit. 

  • Acquisition-Friendly 

Is that what you want to do, dealing with lines of someone else’s old code, which isn’t always of the finest quality? In the case of creating an app from the ground up, developers who did not write the initial code would be able to complete the task considerably more quickly, making this issue irrelevant, which is another significant benefit. 

  • Mistakes from the Past are Considered 

Rewriting a program helps you to assess the old system’s weaknesses and problems, allowing you to avoid them in future versions. 

  • New Possibilities 

A decision to rewrite could result in new commercial prospects. If you choose to rewrite your application, you will have access to a new market, new users, and new technology. 

The Drawbacks of Developing a New Application 

  • Time-Consuming 

One of the major disadvantages of rewriting is the time necessary to recreate the legacy application. So, if you wish to pursue this route, careful strategic planning is required. 

  • Updates are Scarce 

When you’re solely focused on rewriting, users don’t get frequent updates, which might lead to a drop in user retention. 

  • Cost 

The cost of recreating the legacy application stems from the first disadvantage you must accept: the time required for rewriting. 

What should You Choose Between Application Modernization and Developing a New Application 

Let’s use the old building as an example, and we’ll need to make a decision based on its fate. Should it simply be upgraded, or should it be bulldozed and rebuilt from the ground up? An architect, of course, will analyze the actual condition of the building and make a conclusion based on all technical assessments. The same is true for applications: all of the aspects that could influence the final decision must be considered. Of course, for the vast majority of developers, rewriting is far more appealing because it eliminates the need to deal with old code written by another specialist. However, it is vital to consider the problem from both the developer’s and the business’s perspectives. 

The essential element here is the application’s technical debt. It makes no sense to deal just with modernization when there are hundreds of lines of complicated code that make the project nearly impossible to work with or when the technologies that were employed for the app are completely obsolete. As a result, it’s critical to assess the project from all angles in order to make an informed conclusion and avoid wasting time on ineffective initiatives. 

In Summation 

As technologies and stacks evolve, so do programmers’ skillsets. And, especially with long-running projects, it becomes important to make changes and improvements sooner or later. However, which of the two options indicated above to use depends on what you want to get out of the program.  

We trust that If you’re thinking about modernizing or rebuilding a legacy app but aren’t sure where to begin, this article will prove informative. Until next time, happy developing! 

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