Docs/patterns/legacy modernization pattern/workflow

Legacy Modernization Pattern — Workflow

Pattern: Legacy Modernization
Component: workflow.md
Version: 1.1 | Updated: 2026-07-16


End-to-end flow

Step procedure

Step Actor Action Exit criteria
1 Human Select capability slice Bounded backlog item
2 Behavior Mapper Document golden behaviors + edge cases Characterization notes
3 Modernization Lead Choose seam (facade, proxy, event, data) Seam ADR
4 Coder Implement new path behind flag Feature-flagged
5 Parity Harness Compare legacy vs new on fixtures + shadow Gate green
6 Traffic Shift Ramp % with abort KPIs 100% or abort
7 Human + eng Retire legacy path for slice Retirement checklist done
8 Program Pick next slice Repeat

Deviation rule

If parity fails in production shadow, do not increase traffic. Fix or narrow the slice. Never skip to 100% to “make the demo.”

Parallelism rule

Independent capability slices may proceed in parallel only if seams do not contend on the same legacy write path without a coordination plan.