Incremental Rewrite
Incremental Rewrite is a software development methodology where a legacy or outdated system is gradually replaced or modernized piece by piece, rather than through a complete, one-time overhaul. It involves identifying and refactoring specific components or modules of an existing codebase while maintaining system functionality, allowing for continuous delivery and reduced risk compared to a 'big bang' rewrite. This approach is often used to migrate systems to new technologies, improve architecture, or address technical debt without disrupting ongoing operations.
Developers should use Incremental Rewrite when dealing with large, critical legacy systems that cannot be easily replaced all at once due to business constraints, high risk, or resource limitations. It is particularly valuable for minimizing downtime, enabling iterative testing and feedback, and allowing teams to deliver value continuously while modernizing the codebase. Common use cases include migrating monolithic applications to microservices, updating outdated frameworks or languages, and improving scalability or maintainability in production environments.