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Refactoring Legacy Codebases

November 10, 2025·60 min

Learn how to use Cursor to tackle legacy codebases and complex migrations, from understanding unfamiliar code to executing large-scale refactors.

We'll cover:

  • Using Cursor's codebase index to generate architectural overviews, diagrams, and documentation for legacy systems.
  • Using Plan Mode to scope multi-file migrations before execution, with clarifying questions and structured proposals.
  • Setting up dual-write patterns and test suites to validate refactored code against legacy behavior.
  • Managing context across long sessions by starting fresh chats, referencing plans, and using git diffs.
  • Using multi-root workspaces for cross-repo migrations and microservice environments.
  • Applying Cursor Rules to enforce team standards and avoid repeated mistakes.

Perfect for teams working with COBOL, old frameworks, or any codebase that needs modernization without breaking production.