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Distinguishing Reengineering from Replacement

publish date: 2026/06/24 21:38:16.703676 UTC

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Which of the following correctly distinguishes software reengineering from full system replacement?

Reengineering and replacement are exactly identical processes with no meaningful difference

Reengineering always costs more than replacement in every documented case

Replacement never changes the system's architecture, while reengineering always does

Reengineering preserves existing functionality and improves structure at lower cost and risk; replacement builds an entirely new system, which is more costly and carries higher risk of specification and delivery problems

Correct Answer

Explanation

Reengineering preserves existing functionality while improving the internal structure, typically at lower cost and risk than building an entirely new replacement system. Replacement involves higher risk, since new software development can encounter specification errors and delivery delays, and is often more expensive than reengineering the same system.

Reference

Software Engineering, Ian Sommerville, 10th edition

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