# software reengineering

> software engineering process of restructuring existing computer code without changing its external behavior

**Wikidata**: [Q1515051](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1515051)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reengineering_(software))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/software-reengineering

## Summary
Software reengineering is a software engineering process that involves restructuring existing computer code to improve its internal structure without altering its external behavior. It is distinct from general reengineering and focuses specifically on software systems, ensuring functionality remains unchanged while enhancing maintainability, performance, or adaptability.

## Key Facts
- Software reengineering is a subclass of both reengineering and software engineering.
- It differs from general reengineering by specifically targeting software systems.
- The process restructures existing code without changing its external behavior.
- It is part of the broader field of software engineering, which studies systematic approaches to software development.
- Software reengineering includes activities such as software renewal and software renovation.
- It is related to software maintenance but focuses on improving internal code structure rather than fixing bugs.
- The term is recognized in academic and professional contexts, with entries in multiple language Wikipedia editions.
- It has been documented in library catalogs and knowledge bases, including the Library of Congress and Bibliothèque nationale de France.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the difference between software reengineering and general reengineering?
A: Software reengineering specifically targets software systems, restructuring code without changing its external behavior, whereas general reengineering applies to broader engineering disciplines.

### Q: How does software reengineering differ from software maintenance?
A: Software reengineering focuses on improving internal code structure, while software maintenance typically involves fixing bugs or updating functionality.

### Q: What are some common activities included in software reengineering?
A: Common activities include software renewal, software renovation, and improving code reusability.

### Q: Is software reengineering part of software engineering?
A: Yes, software reengineering is a subclass of software engineering, which encompasses systematic approaches to software development.

### Q: What is the primary goal of software reengineering?
A: The primary goal is to restructure existing code to improve its internal structure without altering its external behavior.

## Why It Matters
Software reengineering plays a crucial role in maintaining and improving the quality of legacy software systems. As technology evolves, existing codebases often become outdated, inefficient, or difficult to modify. Software reengineering allows developers to refactor code to enhance performance, readability, and adaptability without changing how the software functions externally. This process is essential for extending the lifespan of software systems, reducing technical debt, and ensuring they remain relevant in an ever-changing technological landscape. By focusing on internal improvements, software reengineering helps organizations maintain control over their software assets, making them more sustainable and cost-effective to manage over time.

## Notable For
- Being a specialized form of reengineering focused exclusively on software systems.
- Ensuring that code restructuring does not affect the software's external behavior.
- Including activities like software renewal and software renovation.
- Being recognized in academic and professional knowledge bases, such as Wikidata and Wikipedia.
- Having entries in multiple language editions of Wikipedia, indicating its global relevance.

## Body
### Definition and Scope
Software reengineering is a process within software engineering that involves restructuring existing computer code to improve its internal structure without altering its external behavior. It is distinct from general reengineering, which applies to broader engineering disciplines, and focuses specifically on software systems.

### Relationship to Other Fields
As a subclass of both reengineering and software engineering, software reengineering is part of a broader field that studies systematic approaches to software development. It is related to software maintenance but differs in its focus on improving internal code structure rather than fixing bugs or updating functionality.

### Activities and Techniques
Common activities in software reengineering include software renewal, software renovation, and improving code reusability. These techniques aim to enhance the software's internal structure while preserving its external behavior.

### Recognition and Documentation
Software reengineering is recognized in various knowledge bases, including Wikidata, Wikipedia, and library catalogs such as the Library of Congress and Bibliothèque nationale de France. It has entries in multiple language editions of Wikipedia, indicating its global relevance and recognition in academic and professional contexts.

### Significance in Software Development
Software reengineering is significant in software development as it helps maintain and improve the quality of legacy systems. By restructuring code without changing its external behavior, it ensures that software remains efficient, adaptable, and cost-effective to manage over time. This process is crucial for extending the lifespan of software systems and reducing technical debt.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
2. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File