moai-workflow-ddd

To refactor legacy code without changing behavior, you need characterization tests to capture existing functionality and incremental transformations to restructure it safely. This approach ensures observable behavior remains unchanged while reducing technical debt and improving structure.

AST-based analysis for code refactoring uses abstract syntax trees to parse and identify structural patterns in existing codebases. It enables precise, incremental transformations by targeting specific syntax nodes, ensuring modifications are structurally sound and behavior-preserving.

Migrating legacy APIs while preserving functionality requires identifying domain boundaries and creating characterization tests to capture current behavior. You then apply incremental, test-driven transformations to restructure the API, ensuring all tests pass after each modification.

Yes, characterization tests are required to reduce technical debt safely. They capture the current observable behavior of legacy code before refactoring, providing a safety net that verifies incremental changes preserve functionality and do not introduce regressions.

The best way to modernize a complex legacy module is applying an analyze-preserve-improve cycle. You analyze the structure, preserve behavior with characterization tests, and incrementally improve the code using AST-based transformations, ensuring all tests pass after each change.

Yes, domain-driven development facilitates technical debt reduction by identifying domain boundaries in existing codebases. It enables systematic refactoring through behavior-preserving transformations and incremental restructuring, ensuring observable functionality remains unchanged while improving code quality.