Why AI is both the problem and the cure for legacy code 

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

AI continues to act as a double-edged sword – capable of generating “new” legacy code, but also allowing us to tackle “old” legacy code in new ways.

Ever since AI’s entry into the mainstream in 2023, it has transformed the software industry. While claims that engineers will be replaced seem increasingly far-fetched, there can be little doubt that the technology of large language models (LLMs) dramatically redraws what’s possible. One of the clearest examples can be seen in how AI impacts one of software engineering’s most persistent challenges: dealing with legacy code.

What is legacy code?

Legacy code means different things to different people:

• Old code using antiquated formats.

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