Hands-On-Learning: Enterprise
Document System Refactoring: From
Legacy Code to LangChain Architecture
Description
Apply systematic 5-step refactoring methodology (Audit, Map, Modularize, Test,
Deploy) to transform an undocumented legacy document processing system into
a maintainable LangChain application with comprehensive testing and zero-
downtime deployment strategy.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this activity, learners will be able to:
• Conduct comprehensive code audits identifying
hidden dependencies and technical debt patterns
• Create dependency maps that reveal coupling points
and refactoring boundaries
• Apply incremental modularization strategies that
minimize production risk
• Implement defensive testing with behavior
verification achieving 80%+ code coverage
Assignment Components
Introductory Slide:
Title: Lead Developer Emergency: Save DataAnalytics Corp from $2M
Technical Debt
Subtitle: Five days to refactor undocumented legacy system processing
millions of financial documents
Tools to be used:
LangChain (Python framework)
pytest (testing framework)
OpenAI API (LLM provider)
GitHub Actions for CI/CD
Python static analysis tools (pylint, mypy)
Scenario
You're the newly promoted Lead Developer at DataAnalytics Corp, a Fortune 500
financial services firm. The company's document classification system processes
millions of regulatory documents daily but has become a critical business risk.
Built 18 months ago by contractors who left no documentation, the 2,000-line
codebase crashes weekly (costing $50,000/hour in lost productivity), takes 6
hours to make simple prompt changes due to tight coupling, and has zero test
coverage. Last week's outage cost $2M in regulatory penalties. The CTO has
authorized complete refactoring—your mission: apply the proven 5-step
methodology (Audit, Map, Modularize, Test, Deploy) to transform this system into
a maintainable LangChain application. You must create a comprehensive
refactoring blueprint, implement modular architecture with proper interfaces,
achieve 80%+ test coverage, and design a zero-downtime deployment strategy.
The executive team expects your plan by Friday.
Instructions for learners
Step 1: Audit Phase - Systematic Code Analysis
Download the legacy document_processor.py codebase from
provided repository
Use auditing checklist: count prompts, identify API calls, document error
handling gaps
Run static analysis (pylint) to identify code quality issues and
coupling patterns
Document findings with line numbers, severity levels, and specific refactoring
actions needed
Step 2: Map Phase - Dependency Visualization
Create visual dependency map showing function call relationships
Identify tightly coupled components and circular dependencies
Mark untangle points where safe separation is possible
Prioritize refactoring order based on risk assessment and business impact
Step 3: Modularize Phase - LangChain Implementation
Extract prompts into separate PromptTemplate files following your
dependency map
Implement LangChain model abstractions with proper error handling
and logging
Create OutputParser classes with validation schemas using Pydantic
Organize code into modular structure: prompts/, chains/, parsers/, utils/
Document interfaces between components with clear contracts
Step 4: Test Phase - Comprehensive Testing Strategy
Write unit tests for each LangChain component (prompts, parsers, chains)
Create integration tests verifying component interaction and data flow
Implement behavior verification tests comparing refactored vs original output
Run pytest with coverage reporting, target 80%+ code coverage
Document edge cases and failure scenarios with corresponding test cases
Step 5: Deploy Phase - Migration Strategy Documentation
Design strangler fig deployment approach with gradual traffic shifting
Create rollback plan for immediate reversion if issues arise
Document monitoring metrics for production health validation
Prepare deployment checklist with risk mitigation at each phase
Deliverable for Submission (AI Grading)
1 Deliverable 1: Comprehensive Refactoring Blueprint
Question Prompt: How did you apply the 5-step refactoring methodology
(Audit, Map, Modularize, Test, Deploy) to transform the legacy document
processor, and why does your systematic approach with dependency
mapping and risk assessment minimize production disruption while
achieving modularization goals?
Response Type: File Upload
File Types: Text (.txt, .pdf, .docx, .md), Image (.png, .jpg for
dependency diagrams)
2 Deliverable 2: Modular LangChain Architecture
Question Prompt: What architectural decisions shaped your modular
LangChain implementation (component organization, error handling,
logging), and how does your design eliminate the tight coupling and brittle
error handling that plagued the legacy system?
Response Type: File Upload
File Types: Coding files (.py, .json, .yml, .md), Compressed archives (.zip)
3 Deliverable 3: Test Coverage Suite
Question Prompt: How did you design your test strategy (unit tests,
integration tests, behavior verification) to achieve 80%+ coverage and
ensure the refactored code maintains identical behavior to the original
system, and why does this testing approach protect against regression bugs
during future modifications?
Response Type: File Upload
File Types: Coding files (.py for tests), Text (.txt, .html for coverage reports),
Image (.png for coverage screenshots)
Share The Project
Document: Save the report in PDF format.
Upload: Share in the “Peer Review” area of the course shell with
a brief description.
Instructions for Documenting and Sharing
The Project for Peer Review
1. Document the Project 2. Share the Project
Use word processing software to Save your report
create your report. in PDF format.
Ensure all sections of the project Upload your documents to the “Peer
document structure are completed. Review” area in the course shell.
Proofread and edit your report for Provide a brief description of your
clarity and accuracy. project in the submission post.
Instructions for Documenting and Sharing
The Project for Peer Review
3. Peer Review
Review the projects submitted by your peers.
Provide constructive feedback and comments on their work.