Application Health Checklist

Application Health Checklist

Published on: 27/09/2024

Use this checklist to evaluate the overall health and maintenance needs of your website or application. This assessment will help identify areas that may require attention or modernisation.

1. Performance and Scalability

  • Application response time is consistently under 3 seconds
  • System can handle current user load without significant slowdown
  • Database queries are optimised and execute quickly
  • Application can scale to handle projected future growth

2. Security

  • All user inputs are properly sanitised and validated
  • Sensitive data is encrypted both in transit and at rest
  • Authentication and authorisation mechanisms are robust and up-to-date
  • Regular security audits are conducted
  • System is protected against common vulnerabilities (e.g. SQL injection, XSS)

3. Code Quality and Maintainability

  • Source code is version-controlled
  • Code follows consistent style and naming conventions
  • Functions and modules have clear, single responsibilities
  • Code is well-documented with comments and external documentation
  • Test suite exists and covers critical functionality

4. Technology Stack

  • All components of the technology stack are still supported by vendors
  • System is running on the latest stable versions of its components
  • Dependencies and libraries are up-to-date
  • Application runs on currently supported operating systems

5. Compatibility

  • Application works correctly on all required web browsers
  • System is compatible with current mobile devices (if applicable)
  • Application integrates smoothly with other current systems
  • User interface follows modern usability standards

6. Business Alignment

  • Application fully meets current business needs
  • System can be easily modified to accommodate new business requirements
  • All current business rules are correctly implemented
  • Application complies with all relevant industry regulations

7. Support and Maintenance

  • Staff with knowledge to maintain the application are available
  • System logs are comprehensive and aid in troubleshooting
  • Regular backups are performed and can be easily restored
  • Disaster recovery plan is in place and tested

8. Performance Monitoring

  • System has monitoring in place for uptime and performance
  • Alerts are set up for critical system issues
  • Regular performance reports are generated and reviewed
  • Resource usage (CPU, memory, disk) is within acceptable limits

9. Data Management

  • Database schema is well-designed and normalised
  • Data integrity constraints are properly enforced
  • Data archiving and purging processes are in place
  • Data can be easily exported to modern formats if needed

10. Documentation

  • System architecture is well-documented
  • User manuals are up-to-date and comprehensive
  • Technical documentation exists and is current
  • Change management processes are documented and followed

Interpreting Your Results

After completing this checklist, review your unchecked items. These represent areas where your legacy application may need attention. Consider the following:

  • High Priority: Items in the Security, Performance and Scalability, and Technology Stack sections should be addressed promptly if unchecked.
  • Modernisation Opportunities: Unchecked items in Code Quality, Compatibility, and Business Alignment sections may indicate areas where modernisation could provide significant benefits.
  • Long-term Health: Support and Maintenance, Performance Monitoring, Data Management, and Documentation sections relate to the long-term sustainability of your application. Address these to ensure ongoing health and maintainability.

Remember, every application is unique. Use this checklist as a starting point for a more in-depth evaluation of your system's health and modernisation needs.

Need some help?

If you're concerned about the health of your software systems, please get in touch. I'm an Australian freelance software engineer with over two decades of experience in maintaining and securing legacy systems. I can help you assess the risks, implement mitigating controls, and plan for a secure future.

Get in Touch

I welcome all genuine enquiries. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you wish to find out more about my professional services or discuss how we can work together on your next or current project.

"It is so nice when you can work with someone who can clearly see what you are trying to achieve and then make it all happen with a minimum of fuss."