Legacy app modernization is essential for businesses that depend on software to operate efficiently and meet evolving standards. Without timely updates, even widely used apps can pose risks to performance, security, and compliance. This was the challenge faced by TUYA, a Texas-based logistics provider, whose Android applications were at risk of removal from the Google …
Legacy app modernization is essential for businesses that depend on software to operate efficiently and meet evolving standards. Without timely updates, even widely used apps can pose risks to performance, security, and compliance.
This was the challenge faced by TUYA, a Texas-based logistics provider, whose Android applications were at risk of removal from the Google Play Store due to a deprecated library. Coorva addressed the issue through staff augmentation, delivering not only a rapid technical resolution but also a flexible, long-term development strategy.
Why Legacy App Modernization Matters for Android
Legacy app modernization is key to keeping Android applications secure, functional, and compliant. The platform’s frequent updates—introducing new APIs, security patches, and features—make staying current especially important.
When a critical challenge demands fast action, staff augmentation ensures you have the right talent without disrupting your team
Failure to modernize can have severe consequences, from security breaches to operational disruptions, including app removals from the Google Play Store.
Risks of Relying on Deprecated Libraries
Deprecated libraries, no longer maintained by their developers, can expose apps to security flaws, compatibility issues, and hinder compliance. Updating these components is necessary to sustain performance and ensure a consistent user experience.
How Legacy Code Can Threaten App Store Compliance and Business Continuity
Google Play enforces strict technical standards. Apps depending on deprecated libraries risk delisting, disrupting availability and operations. For businesses like TUYA, whose logistics depend on mobile functionality, the impact can be significant. Legacy app modernization helps safeguard against these challenges.
When Modernization Becomes Urgent
Urgency arises when outdated components compromise security, compliance, or usability. TUYA’s case highlights how legacy dependencies placed their Android apps at risk. In such scenarios, legacy app modernization becomes a critical requirement—not a choice.
TUYA’s Business Challenge
TUYA, a Texas-based logistics company, relied on two Android apps—TUYA Driver and TUYA Shipper—to manage deliveries and coordinate with drivers. These applications were central to daily operations.
Outdated code isn’t just a maintenance issue—it’s a ticking clock that can lead to app delisting and disrupt your business.
Google’s deprecation of the Butterknife library—a critical component in both apps—put them at risk of delisting. TUYA’s internal team attempted to replace the dependency but faced technical obstacles and lacked the bandwidth to act swiftly.
Single-Engineer Team and Dependency on Two Android Apps
With only one Android developer on staff, TUYA faced limitations in addressing urgent technical changes. The deprecation of Butterknife created a pressing challenge the team couldn’t resolve alone, jeopardizing app stability and availability.
The Threat of Removal Due to Deprecated Butterknife Usage
Continued reliance on Butterknife meant non-compliance with Google Play Store requirements. The potential removal of both apps threatened to interrupt critical logistics workflows, underscoring the need for immediate legacy app modernization.
Coorva’s Modernization Strategy
Coorva addressed TUYA’s challenge through a Staff Augmentation model, enabling immediate access to qualified developers without the delays of traditional hiring. Legacy app modernization was executed with minimal disruption to operations.
Discovery Phase to Analyze Architecture and Flow
The engagement began with a thorough review of TUYA’s Android architecture, focusing on areas dependent on Butterknife. This analysis established a foundation for a smooth transition by clarifying how changes would affect overall functionality.
Mapping and Replacing Butterknife with Modern Kotlin Code
Coorva systematically identified and replaced all Butterknife references with updated Kotlin code. This upgrade enhanced maintainability, improved security, and ensured compatibility with future Android versions, reducing long-term reliance on deprecated components.
Creating Documentation and Test Cases to Support QA
Detailed documentation and test cases were developed to reinforce quality assurance and simplify future updates. This ensured that code changes were traceable, easier to understand, and accessible to new developers. The effort also helped mitigate technical debt and support ongoing scalability.
The Agile Android Squad in Action
Coorva assembled a focused Agile team consisting of a senior Android developer, a part-time QA specialist, and a project manager. Daily standups, sprint reviews, and structured communication enabled steady progress and flexibility throughout the engagement.
Technologies Used in the Modernization Process
Effective legacy app modernization depends on using the right tools and technologies. For TUYA, Coorva leveraged.
- Kotlin for Android development
- Azure DevOps for project management
- Slack for communication
Project Timeline and Execution Highlights
The project was completed in three months, with clear milestones:
- Discovery Phase
- Code Replacement
- QA Testing
- Final Deployment
Results of the Modernization
Both TUYA apps were updated without service interruptions, preserving their presence on Google Play and mitigating operational risk. Coorva delivered a sustainable solution that secured long-term functionality while allowing TUYA’s internal team to stay focused on core priorities.
“Coorva delivered the assignment on time and were completely responsive to our needs. One of the owners travelled to my city to personally meet with me.” — John Oren, CEO.
Conclusion
Legacy app modernization is essential to keep Android applications secure and compliant. It helps businesses maintain app functionality, enhance security, and ensure compliance with app store requirements.
Through Staff Augmentation, Coorva helped TUYA address a time-sensitive challenge efficiently, avoiding disruption and delivering a scalable path forward. Need help with legacy app modernization in Android? Contact Coorva today.
