The cover image for this post is by Charlie Larkman
A world-renowned motor sports racing team with a rich history dating back to the early days of the sport recent turned to RJJ Software for help modernizing an essential part of their workflow: a legacy Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) application built with Entity Framework. The goal was to upgrade the underlying architecture from Entity Framework to Entity Framework Core and improve test coverage to reduce the likelihood of future regressions.
Our team began by thoroughly understanding the high-performance motor racing unit’s business requirements and existing technology stack. We then designed a migration plan that would allow for a smooth transition from Entity Framework to Entity Framework Core while minimizing disruption to the team’s daily operations. The plan included the following key steps:
- Analysis of the legacy application: We analysed the existing codebase, identifying areas where Entity Framework was used and any potential issues with the data model. This analysis helped us to understand the structure and functionality of the application, as well as identify any areas that required special attention during the migration process.
- Designing the new architecture: Based on our analysis, we designed a modern architecture for the application using Entity Framework Core. The new architecture was built with testability in mind, incorporating best practices for dependency injection and unit testing.
- Refactoring the legacy code: As part of the migration process, we refactored portions of the legacy code to align with modern coding standards and best practices. This included introducing unit tests where appropriate, improving code readability, and reducing technical debt.
- Implementing test coverage improvements: To reduce the likelihood of future regressions, we worked closely with the accomplished motor sport group’s team to improve test coverage throughout the application. We introduced new automated tests for both functional and non-functional requirements, ensuring that the application remained stable and reliable even as further changes were made.
- Deployment and post-migration support: We assisted the distinguished motorsports outfit with the deployment of the upgraded application, ensuring a smooth transition for all users.
The results of this project were immediately apparent to the renowned racing collective’s development team. The new Entity Framework Core architecture provided access to the latest database communication technology, resulting in improved performance and scalability. The enhanced test coverage reduced the risk of future regressions and made it easier for the team to introduce new features and improvements.
The success of this collaboration demonstrates the value of working with experienced software development partners who can help organizations like this top motorsports team maintain their position at the forefront of their industry through strategic technology investments.
Learn more about our system for genius when working safely with legacy code in the our Unravelling the Code Tapestry series of blog posts here.
If you’d like us to help you work through the challenges involved with working safely with a legacy codebase, either in a hands-on capacity or as a consultant, get in touch with the form below