Legacy Code

What Does Legacy Code Mean?

Legacy code refers to an application system source code type that is no longer supported. Legacy code can also refer to unsupported operating systems, hardware and formats. In most cases, legacy code is converted to a modern software language and platform. However, to retain familiar user functionality, legacy code is sometimes carried into new environments.

Techopedia Explains Legacy Code

There is a common, false perception that legacy code is old. Although some software developers look at legacy code as a poorly written program, legacy code actually describes a code base that is no longer engineered but continually patched. Over time, an unlimited number of modifications may be made to a code base based on customer demand, causing what was originally well-written code to evolve into a complex monster.

A software developer will recognize legacy code when a feature cannot be added without breaking another logic. At this point, the developers may begin lobbying for a new system.

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Margaret Rouse

Technology Expert

Margaret é uma premiada redatora e professora conhecida por sua habilidade de explicar assuntos técnicos complexos para um público empresarial não técnico. Nos últimos vinte anos, suas definições de TI foram publicadas pela Que em uma enciclopédia de termos tecnológicos e citadas em artigos do New York Times, Time Magazine, USA Today, ZDNet, PC Magazine e Discovery Magazine. Ela ingressou na Techopedia em 2011. A ideia de Margaret de um dia divertido é ajudar os profissionais de TI e de negócios a aprenderem a falar os idiomas altamente especializados uns dos outros.

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