Rewriting From Scratch
Rewriting from scratch is a software development approach where an existing system is completely rebuilt from the ground up, discarding the original codebase. It involves designing and implementing a new version without reusing legacy code, often to address technical debt, outdated architecture, or performance issues. This methodology contrasts with incremental refactoring or maintenance of the existing system.
Developers should consider rewriting from scratch when the current codebase is so brittle, poorly documented, or technologically obsolete that incremental improvements are impractical or too costly. It is particularly useful for legacy systems with high maintenance costs, security vulnerabilities, or scalability limitations that hinder business growth. However, it requires careful planning due to risks like extended timelines, budget overruns, and potential loss of features during the transition.