# The rewrite dilemma in software engineering

DevFeed: [The rewrite dilemma in software engineering](<https://devfeed.tech/articles/the-rewrite-dilemma-in-software-engineering-38748.md>)

Original publisher: [Read original article](<https://www.paleblueapps.com/rockandnull/rewrites-software-engineering-stability/>)

Author: Mike Yerou

Published: 2025-11-06T12:10:38Z

Content type: opinion

Language: en

Sources: [Rock and Null](<https://devfeed.tech/sources/rock-and-null.md>)

Topics: [Software Engineering](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/software-engineering.md>), [Refactoring](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/refactoring.md>), [Software](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/software.md>)

Tags: [engineering](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/engineering.md>), [rewrite](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/rewrite.md>), [software](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/software.md>), [software-engineering](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/software-engineering.md>), [thoughts](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/thoughts.md>)

## AI overview

The article examines the trade-offs of rewriting existing software. It argues that accumulated fixes, edge-case handling, testing, and historical knowledge can make a messy system stable, so improving working code may be wiser than starting over.

## Source excerpt

Rewriting software can be tempting, but understanding the hidden value of accumulated fixes and system stability is key to making the right decision.