API (Application Programming Interface) is a set of rules that allows different systems or components to communicate.
Example: a frontend application sends a request to an API to retrieve user data from the backend.

Agent context is the set of information an agent uses at a given moment, including current data, environment, and task details, to make decisions.

Agent Memory is the ability of an agent to store and recall past data, interactions, or decisions to improve future actions.

Agent Orchestration is the coordination of multiple AI agents working together on different tasks.
Example: Agent 1 analyzes the codebase ---- Agent 2 generates tests ---- Agent 3 performs refactoring
Outcome: parallel and scalable modernization process.

Agent Skills are the specific capabilities or functions that an agent can perform, such as processing data, making decisions, or interacting with other systems.

AI Agent is a system capable of analyzing data, making decisions, and executing tasks autonomously or semi-autonomously.
Example: an AI agent scans a legacy codebase and identifies unused modules and risky dependencies.

AI Copilot is an AI assistant that supports developers in real time but does not act independently.
Example: Suggesting code completions or improvements inside an IDE. Difference: Copilot assists — agents act.

Automation is the use of technology to perform tasks automatically without human intervention.

Automatic Documentation is the process of generating system or code documentation automatically based on existing data, code, or system behavior.

Backward Compatibility ensures that new changes do not break existing functionality.
Example:a new version of an API still supports older client applications.

Bottleneck is a part of the system that limits performance or scalability.
Example: a slow database query causing delays across the entire application.

CI/CD (Continuous Integration / Continuous Deployment) is an automated process that tests and deploys code changes continuously.
Example:every code update triggers automated tests and deployment to production.

Cloud Agent is a lightweight service that runs in the cloud and connects legacy systems with modern applications. It collects, processes, and transfers data without requiring changes to the original system.

Cloud Migration is a process of moving applications and infrastructure from on-premise systems to cloud platforms.
Example: migrating a warehouse management system to AWS.

Code Dependency Mapping means identifying relationships between components in a system.
Example: mapping how order processing interacts with payment and notification services.

Codebase is the complete collection of source code and related resources in a software system.

Codebase Embedding stands for transforming code into vector representations so AI can understand relationships at scale.
Example: searching code by meaning instead of keywords.

Dynamic Code Analysis means analyzing code during execution to understand runtime behavior.
Example: monitoring how a system behaves under high traffic.

Event-Driven Architecture is a system design where components communicate via events instead of direct calls.
Example: “Order placed” triggers payment processing and email notifications.

Human-in-the-Loop is a system where humans validate and guide AI decisions.
Example: AI suggests refactoring → engineer reviews before applying.

Incremental Modernization stands for improving a system step by step instead of replacing it entirely.
Example:modernizing one module per sprint while the system remains operational.

Integration Testing is the process of verifying that different system components or services work correctly together as a whole.

Legacy Modernization Pipeline is a structured process of transforming legacy systems.
Typical stages: Analysis → Testing → Refactoring → Migration

Legacy System is a system that is still in use but difficult to maintain, extend, or scale.
Example: A banking system running on a mainframe with limited documentation. Key insight: Legacy = difficult to change, not just old.

Log in is the process of accessing a system or application by entering your credentials (such as a username and password).

Loose Coupling is a design principle where components operate independently.
Example: Updating a payment service without affecting user management.

Microservices Architecture is a system composed of small, independent services.
Example: Separate services for payments, users, and orders.

Modular Monolith is a monolithic system with clearly separated internal modules.
Example: a Java application with structured modules but single deployment.

Monitoring is the continuous tracking of a system’s performance, health, and activity to detect issues and ensure everything runs smoothly.

Monolithic Architecture (Monolith) is a system where all components are tightly integrated into one codebase.
Example: an e-commerce system where all functionality is in one application.

Observability is the ability to monitor and understand system behavior.
Example:using logs and metrics to detect issues.

Project context refers to all the relevant information about a system, environment, and business goals that an agent or team needs to understand in order to make correct decisions.

Rebuilding is the process of completely redeveloping a legacy system from scratch using modern technologies, rather than modifying the existing code.

Refactoring stands for Improving code structure without changing functionality.
Example: splitting a large class into smaller components.

Rehosting (Lift & Shift) means moving a system to a new environment without changing code.
Example:running a legacy app in the cloud as-is.

Replatforming is a process of moving a system to a new platform with minimal code changes.
Example: migrating to cloud infrastructure without redesigning architecture.

Rewriting (Rebuilding) means creating a new system from scratch.
Example: replacing an old ERP system with a modern solution.

Scheduling is the process of planning and automatically executing tasks at specific times or intervals.

Semantic Code Understanding is AI’s ability to interpret the meaning of code.
Example: recognizing that a function calculates discounts.

Static Code Analysis means Analyzing code without executing it.
Example:detecting bugs and vulnerabilities before runtime.

Strangler Pattern is gradually replacing parts of a legacy system with new components.
Example: replacing payment module first, then order processing.

System Resilience is the ability of a system to continue operating despite failures.
Example: if one service fails, others continue working.

System Scalability is the ability to handle increased load.
Example: supporting growth from thousands to millions of users.