Taking Over a Brownfield Application with Scott Ford
Carl and Richard talk to Scott Ford about taking over existing software projects. There's lots of negativity around existing code, calling them "brownfield" and "legacy projects." Scott looks at existing projects more like an older home that has been well used, but needs updating. The conversation digs into how to understand not only the code of the existing application, but also the intent of the app - more focus on why things are the way they are, rather than just the how parts. But once you understand the why, there's no reason to stick with old tools and techniques, and Scott talks about using modern tools to quickly take control of an existing codebase and make it more reliable, understandable and sustainable.
Guests:
Scott Ford
Scott Ford is the Founder and Chief Code Whisperer at Corgibytes, a software consultancy whose mission is to maintain and improve the world's existing codebases. Scott specializes and thrives on breathing new life into existing projects.
Links:
- Bleen Holographic Projector Indiegogo https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/bleen-3d-without-glasses
- Working with Legacy Code Article from Michael Feathers http://www.objectmentor.com/resources/articles/WorkingEffectivelyWithLegacyCode.pdf