Overview
What this challenge is about.
Refactor a Java servlet app for an insurance platform by writing tests and extracting two workflows. You get a verifiable certificate.
The scenario
The insurer (regulated under NAIC + state insurance commissioners) cannot replatform — too much regulatory rework — but cannot ship new product without strangling the servlet either.
The Brief
What you'll do, and what you'll demonstrate.
Refactor 2 critical workflows out of a 15-year-old servlet application and produce a playbook the in-house team can use for the remaining 7.
Earning criteria — what you'll demonstrate
- Apply Michael Feathers' legacy-code techniques to a real servlet codebase
- Reach meaningful branch coverage on workflows that have never been tested
- Extract service layers without changing JSP-visible behavior
- Author a playbook the rest of the team can execute without further coaching
Program Fit
Where this fits in your program.
Sharpens the same skills your degree expects you to demonstrate.
Software Evolution and Maintenance
Master · Software Engineering
Strong alignment
This challenge maps to Software Evolution and Maintenance at the Master level. It sharpens the same practical skills your coursework expects — but in a real industry context with actual constraints and deliverables.
Skills
Skills you'll demonstrate.
Each one shows up on your verified credential.
- Refactoring
Apply refactoring to solve real industry problems and demonstrate production-level capability.
- Characterization Testing
Apply characterization testing to solve real industry problems and demonstrate production-level capability.
- Legacy Systems
Apply legacy systems to solve real industry problems and demonstrate production-level capability.
- Sprout Class
Apply sprout class to solve real industry problems and demonstrate production-level capability.
- Playbook Design
Apply playbook design to solve real industry problems and demonstrate production-level capability.
- Code Review
Apply code review to solve real industry problems and demonstrate production-level capability.
Careers
Career paths this challenge builds toward
Completing this challenge demonstrates skills that transfer directly to these roles: