Branch By Abstraction
Branch By Abstraction is a software development technique used to refactor or replace large, complex systems incrementally without disrupting ongoing development. It involves creating an abstraction layer over the existing code, allowing new and old implementations to coexist while gradually migrating functionality. This approach enables teams to make significant architectural changes safely over time, reducing risk compared to big-bang rewrites.
Developers should use Branch By Abstraction when they need to modernize legacy systems, migrate to new technologies, or refactor monolithic applications while maintaining continuous delivery. It is particularly valuable in scenarios where a complete rewrite is too risky or costly, such as in large-scale enterprise systems with high availability requirements. This methodology allows for iterative improvements, enabling teams to deliver value continuously without freezing development.