AI-LMC Phase 00: From Seeking Easy Money to Modernizing Legacy Systems

A software engineer with over a decade of experience in C# and .NET explores the intersection of artificial intelligence and legacy system modernization. Initially motivated by the desire for passive income, the author consults AI tools like GPT and Claude, only to be directed back to their professional expertise. The article highlights the prevalence of legacy systems in Japanese enterprises, where 74% of large companies still rely on outdated infrastructure. While tools like GitHub Copilot can automate basic code upgrades, the author argues that true modernization requires navigating complex, undocumented business logic and institutional knowledge that AI cannot easily replicate. By questioning whether AI can truly replace the human element of deciphering 'tribal knowledge' within legacy codebases, the author begins a journey to build a solution that addresses these unique challenges, shifting their focus from quick profits to solving deep-seated technical debt.