This question explores AI Coding and addresses practical considerations related to: When refactoring legacy code, how do engineers prioritize which parts to modernize first?

When refactoring legacy code, how do engineers prioritize which parts to modernize first?

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When refactoring legacy code, how do engineers prioritize which parts to modernize first?

Asked on Feb 03, 2026

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When refactoring legacy code, engineers typically prioritize areas that have the highest impact on performance, maintainability, or security. This often involves focusing on code that is frequently changed, has known bugs, or is critical to the application's functionality. Using AI tools like GitHub Copilot or Amazon Q can help identify these areas by analyzing code complexity and usage patterns.

Example Concept: Engineers often use a combination of static code analysis and AI-driven insights to prioritize refactoring tasks. They focus on high-complexity modules, frequently modified files, and components with known vulnerabilities. AI tools can assist by suggesting refactoring opportunities and estimating the impact of changes on the overall codebase.

Additional Comment:

Start with modules that are most critical to business operations or have the highest technical debt.
Use AI tools to automate code analysis and identify potential refactoring candidates.
Consider the risk and effort involved in refactoring versus the expected benefits.
Engage with stakeholders to align refactoring priorities with business goals.

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When refactoring legacy code, how do engineers prioritize which parts to modernize first?

Asked on Feb 03, 2026

Answer

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