Final Thesis: Framework Migration of a Cloud-based Web App Backend
Abstract: Software undergoes an evolutionary process in which it adapts to changing requirements and opportunities. This thesis exemplifies and actively shapes the evolution of QDAcity, a cloud-based web application for qualitative data analysis in research. One dimension of this evolution is the technology stack, which frequently changes due to the rapid advancement in software development. New or changing requirements, along with inadequate or missing maintenance of dependencies, increase pressure on development teams. After about 10 years, it became necessary to replace the existing backend framework of QDAcity because support for the framework and the underlying cloud infrastructure was discontinued. Thus, this thesis describes the migration of QDAcity’s backend framework to a more modern and long-term supported solution, which also lays the foundation for restructuring the cloud infrastructure. The focus is particularly on cost-sensitive preservation of all functionality of the web application and ensuring non-functional requirements. The transition to a new backend framework varies with each product and, therefore, requires a migration plan tailored to QDAcity, which is presented here. Additionally, the outcomes of the software architecture and technical design are presented and evaluated. Furthermore, the opportunities for further modernization of the technology stack arising from the migration are discussed.
Keywords: Google Cloud, Spring, Google App Engine, Qualitative Research, QDAcity
PDF: Master Thesis
Reference: Marco Martin Härtl. Framework Migration of a Cloud-based Web App Backend. Master Thesis. Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg: 2024.