Software Evolution

Updated 22 Jul 2026

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def
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  the process of changing and updating a software system in response to changing requirements, environments, and user needs
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rationale
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  software is inherently flexible and can change
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  as business circumstances change, the software supporting the business must also evolve
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  there is increasingly less demarcation between development and maintenance
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triggers for evolution
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  business changes leading to new or modified requirements
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  new technologies opening possibilities for improved implementations
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  changing platforms requiring application changes
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costs of change
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  includes rework (e.g., re-analysing requirements) as well as implementing new functionality
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related
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  Legacy Software
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  Change Management
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  Coping with Change
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  Process Improvement

Linked references 4