Outdated software solutions challenge businesses striving to stay relevant in the rapidly evolving web environment. This is especially true for the front end, the face of any modern business. When businesses are looking for front-end development services to refresh their website or application, they must decide: migrate the existing codebase or start a complete rewrite. Each approach has its own pros and cons, affecting time, cost, and maintainability of the future application. Understanding these two options is essential for every business considering a modern application on the web. And, in today’s topic, we’ll delve into this front-end migrate or rewrite debate. We’ll analyze both concepts, reinforcing this analysis by providing real-life examples, and eventually help you determine which option best meets your needs.
The current stage of outdated front-end technologies
First of all, let’s define what an outdated front end is. An outdated front-end typically uses old frameworks, libraries, and design concepts that no longer meet modern standards regarding visual aesthetics and functionality. These outdated technologies often result in slower load times, limited features, and security vulnerabilities. In some cases, they may also be incompatible with third-party integrations, making it hard to basically maintain a seamless user experience.
In fact, many businesses face outdated front-end technology dealing with legacy applications and websites. Besides problems with visual appeal, functionality, and integrations, these older systems are sometimes difficult for software developers to maintain. Development teams often need to build their work considering these limitations, which increases the complexity level and technical debt of the outdated application. In this vein, UI/UX modernization becomes even more urgent as the gap between outdated front-end technologies and current user expectations widens.
Adobe Flash, once popular for multimedia content, is now obsolete and unsupported, the same with certain front-end technologies. jQuery, while still in use, is often considered outdated due to the rise of modern front-end frameworks like React, Angular, Vue.js, Svelte, and Preact. Another example is Backbone.js, which has largely been replaced by more robust frameworks. Older versions of Bootstrap and outdated CSS practices also fall into this category, failing to meet current standards for responsive design and accessibility. And those are just a few examples that immediately come to mind.
Common issues with outdated front-ends
Slow load times
Frameworks and libraries from the 2000s that work in the 2020s often result in sluggish page loading, frustrating users.
Security vulnerabilities
Outdated front-end technologies are much more prone to front-end security breaches, risking data loss. The importance of modern front-end development is especially apparent in industries such as e-commerce, fintech, healthcare, and others that are especially dependent on data security.
Poor mobile experience
Most of the users on the modern web are mobile users. Outdated design and legacy code base may not adapt well to mobile devices, alternating a large user base.
Limited features
A lack of modern functionality can make the user experience feel basic and outdated, and outdated technology cannot provide access to all modern features and integrations.
Developer frustration
From the perspective of software development, we can say that working with outdated technologies can be frustrating for development teams, affecting productivity and morale.
Poor user retention rate
Users prefer modern technologies and would rather choose visually appealing products and companies.
Front-end migrate vs. rewrite: What’s the difference?
In fact, when companies face the need to refresh their application or website they are stuck in the front-end app migrate vs. rewrite debate. But what’s the difference between these two approaches?
What is front-end migration?
Migrating the front end involves updating the existing codebase to integrate modern technology stack and practices. This approach typically involves keeping the core structure intact while incrementally improving features and performance. Migration is typically less disruptive and more cost-effective, allowing for continuous improvements without halting business operations. It is distinct from rewriting mainly because it focuses on enhancing and modernizing the current application rather than starting over. Also, under certain circumstances, front-end migrating may imply the migration to the cloud, for instance. Here’s an example of how to deploy a React application to the cloud.
What is front-end rewriting?
Rewriting the front end means developing a new codebase from scratch, utilizing the latest technologies and design principles. This method allows a complete rewrite (overhaul), removing any legacy constraints and creating a more efficient and maintainable system. Rewriting often requires more time and resources but offers a chance to build a streamlined modern application from scratch. Unlike migration, rewriting replaces the old legacy application completely, providing a fresh start, which demands careful planning and significant investment but allows you to consider the experience with the app you’ve already had.
Comparison: Front-end migrate or rewrite
Criterion | Migration | Rewrite |
Financial impact | Lower initial costs, beneficial for limited budgets | Higher initial costs, requiring significant investment |
Time to market | Faster implementation, ideal for quick updates | Longer development time, suitable for comprehensive overhauls |
Operational disruption | Minimal impact on current operations | Potential for significant disruption and downtime |
Legacy code management | May retain technical debt and legacy issues | Eliminates legacy issues, providing a fresh start |
Performance enhancement | Limited scope for major performance improvements | Significant performance gains with modern technologies |
Security compliance | Partial updates to security, potentially inadequate security measures | Decent quality of rewrite services guarantees security complaints with current standards |
Scalability potential | Limited scalability to existing architecture | Designed for enhanced scalability and future growth |
Integration complexity | Challenges in integrating old and new technologies | Straightforward integration with a clean code base |
Long-term viability | May necessitate future updates or a complete rewrite | Built for future-proofing and technological advancements |
Feature continuity | Retains existing features, ensuring user familiarity | Requires feature redevelopment, offering |
Front-end migration and rewriting strategies
Any front-end development process, be it migration or rewriting a current application from scratch, typically involves a series of common steps. Generally, it looks like:
But here is the difference in strategy between the two options during every step of the development process:
Assessment and requirement gathering
Migration: Evaluates the current front-end to identify areas for improvement while keeping existing functionality. Requirements focus on updating and enhancing rather than overhauling.
Rewriting: Analyzes the current system to redefine requirements completely. This ensures all limitations are addressed, and the new system meets modern standards.
Technology stack selection
Migration: Chooses technology compatible with the existing stack to ensure a smooth transition, modernizing while maintaining interoperability.
Rewriting: Selects the best modern technologies without constraints from existing systems, allowing for greater innovation and use of any latest advancements.
System architecture design
Migration: Focuses on a modular architecture that integrates with the existing system, allowing for incremental updates and improvements.
Rewriting: Develops a new front-end architecture from scratch, optimized for performance, scalability, and maintainability, without old system constraints.
Development environment setup
Migration: Sets up a development environment supporting parallel operation of old and new components, ensuring seamless integration.
Rewriting: Establishes a new development environment tailored to the new system’s requirements, often involving new tools and processes.
Development process
Migration: Involves incremental updates, gradually replacing or upgrading components. The old and new systems often run in parallel during this process.
Rewriting: Entails a complete rebuild of the front end, with development in distinct phases. The new system is typically developed separately and replaces the old system once completed.
Testing and deployment
Migration: Emphasizes ongoing testing and quality assurance to ensure new components integrate smoothly with the existing system. Deployment is gradual, with continuous monitoring.
Rewriting: Requires comprehensive testing of the entire news system before deployment. User acceptance testing and staged deployment ensure the a completely new application meets all requirements and functions correctly.
Case study introduction: Kallik, a labeling company
ELITEX have a long record of successful front-end modernization for different companies across various industries. One particular example is front-end modernization for Kallik, a printing and labeling industry company. Kallik faced significant challenges with their Veraciti™ software, which had robust functionality but an outdated UI that made client-side usage cumbersome. Modernization of the UI was important as extending the application’s features was quite complicated with the old UI. Lacking in-house front-end expertise, Kallik sought a partner proficient in Angular development services and UI modernization. That’s why they turned to ELITEX.
In the case of Kallik, when the robust back end was fully functional, and the goal was improving UI and adding new features, the company chose the migration approach. Migration to Angular, a modern technology, and overall UI modernization allowed Kallik to enhance the functionality of their software solution and develop new unique features, solidifying Kallik’s position as a leader of the industry in the United Kingdom.
ELITEX’s approach and execution
In our collaboration with Kallik, we employed the scrum project management methodology, involving bi-weekly demos and planning sessions. This approach allowed both teams to align expectations and outline tasks clearly. Honesty and transparent communication combined with meetings in person fostered a successful partnership between the companies. ELITEX’s strong front-end expertise and seamless integration with Kallik’s team led to the revitalization of Veraciti™, which migrated to the new technology stack. The result was a modern, user-friendly interface that enhanced performance, increased user satisfaction, and maintained regulatory compliance.
Veraciti™ by Kallik is just one of the examples of what a partnership with a reliable front-end software company, such as ELITEX, may bring in your business model. Check our case studies to learn more about how front-end solutions make a difference for businesses. If you have any further questions regarding how to update the front end, migrate your application, or rewrite the code base from scratch, don’t hesitate to contact us. Being a front-end development company with a decade of experience in building solutions that work seamlessly and look good, we bring results beyond your initial expectations!
FAQs
What is front-end migration?
Front-end migration is the process of updating the existing codebase to modern technologies without starting from scratch and using the code you already have.
What is a front-end rewrite?
A front-end rewrite is a process that involves rebuilding the entire codebase of the application using modern technologies.
What is the key difference between front-end migration and rewriting?
Migration updates the current application incrementally, adding new elements to the existing systems, not breaking them, while rewriting builds a new system from scratch.
What should I look for in a partner for front-end migration or rewrite?
Look for expertise in modern technologies and your industry, a proven track record, check their communication skills, and ask about project management approaches. Juxtapose all this information with your requirements, and you will see whether this partner fits your project.
How do I decide between front-end migration vs rewrite?
Consider the extent of existing issues, budget, time constraints, and long-term goals. If your current system is fundamentally flawed, a rewrite might be better. Otherwise, migration could be sufficient.
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