Taking over a live or legacy software development project can be daunting—especially when the original team is no longer involved. Whether it’s a custom enterprise platform, mobile app, or AI-powered tool, you’re stepping into someone else’s codebase, development logic, and documentation (or lack thereof).

But here’s the good news: with the right approach, Australian businesses can avoid setbacks and seamlessly regain control of their software systems. In this guide, we walk you through the most important steps to take over an existing software development project effectively.

1.  Request Comprehensive Documentation

Start by gathering code documentation, architecture diagrams, and deployment instructions. Clear technical documents can save hours of confusion and prevent costly rework. Ask for:

• Code structure overviews
• API integration details
• Database schema documentation
• Past deployment and versioning logs

Tip: Even a single README file with setup instructions can make a big difference.

2. Get Setup and Environment Guidelines

Ensure you can recreate the development environment locally. This includes getting:

• Environment variables and setup scripts
• Dev/staging/production deployment processes
• Dependency lists (e.g. packages, services)

If this project includes mobile app development or uses AI models, these elements must be documented and reproducible.  https://survey.stackoverflow.co/2023/#tools-and-technologies

3. Conduct Unit Tests Before Making Changes

Unit testing is crucial when you’re unfamiliar with the codebase. Running existing tests helps:

• Validate functionality
• Detect regressions
• Understand how modules interact

If tests are missing or incomplete, create new ones. If test coverage is limited, begin writing new unit tests. Automated testing should become the backbone of your takeover strategy.

4.  Schedule a Code Walkthrough with the Previous Team

If the former developers or vendors are available, organise a code walkthrough session. This will help you:

• Identify custom business logic
• Understand database dependencies
• Learn which components are robust vs fragile
• Clarify any undocumented features

You can also request feedback on pain points, performance bottlenecks, or previously raised bug reports. https://www.atlassian.com/continuous-delivery/code-reviews

5.  Set Up a Working Version of the Software

Having a stable version of the application running is essential. Use this environment to:

• Compare performance across versions
• Confirm whether bugs are new or existing
• Troubleshoot integration with APIs or external services

Ensure you gain access to any bug-tracking tools or project management platforms (e.g. Jira, Trello). https://www.atlassian.com/software/jira/features/bug-tracking

6. Secure All Credentials and Access Points

Before you take full ownership, gather a secure and up-to-date list of all credentials, including:

• API keys
• Hosting/server access
• CI/CD tools (e.g. GitHub Actions, Bitbucket Pipelines)
• 3rd-party services (payment gateways, databases, etc.)

Pro Tip: Use a password manager or access control tool like Bitwarden to securely manage credentials.

7.Arrange Short-Term Support from the Previous Team

Where possible, request transition support from the prior developers. Even limited handover support (1–2 weeks) can smooth the process and reduce your ramp-up time significantly.

This can be part of a staff augmentation plan or a structured knowledge transfer agreement.

Final Thoughts

Successfully taking over a custom software development project—especially one that involves mobile apps, AI systems, or legacy database structures—requires a balance of technical diligence and project management finesse.