Given an ancient codebase that makes refactoring risky and expensive, how do you clear a path to continued delivery? The old wisdom says the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The next best time to preserve your software investment is today: plant a Strangler, a pattern for reaping continuous value from your existing system while growing new functionality alongside it.

We'll test-drive new features into a real legacy system. You'll leave with a powerful strategy for extending the useful life of valuable software.

Target Audience: Architects, Developers, Testers, Product Managers
Prerequisites: Familiarity with refactoring and legacy code; preference for learning-by-doing
Level: Advanced

Extended Abstract:
Given an ancient codebase that makes refactoring risky and expensive, how do you clear a path to continued delivery? The old wisdom says the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, and the next best time is today. But if you already have a gnarled old source tree, preserve your software investment by planting a Strangler: a pattern for reaping continuous value from your existing system while growing new functionality alongside it.

We'll take a quick look at a Strangler and the basics of Mob Programming, then work together to test-drive new features into the system. You'll leave with a powerful strategy for extending the useful life of working, valuable software -- especially when it's hard to change -- and with a free bonus development practice to accelerate your team's learning. For a limited time only!