I was tasked with modernizing a bank project

Alexandre CalaçaAlexandre Calaça
8 min read

Table of contents

Introduction

In this project, a software developer was assigned to modernize a bank’s legacy validation system, responsible for verifying payer information.

The developer chose to implement the new solution as an AWS Lambda function using .NET 5. This migration involved integrating AWS services such as Simple Queue Service (SQS) for handling validation tasks and Simple Notification Service (SNS) for managing notifications.

This introduction sets the stage for the challenges, technical decisions, and steps taken in this project to achieve the desired improvements.

Conversation

Dialog

Situation

In my previous role, I was tasked with modernizing a bank project responsible for validating payer information. The existing solution was a console application built in VB.NET, which limited scalability and maintenance. Given the bank's growing needs, it was clear that a migration to a cloud-based, serverless environment would improve flexibility, scalability, and cost-efficiency.

Task

My objective was to reimplement this validation project as an AWS Lambda function using the .NET 5 framework. Additionally, I needed to integrate the function with AWS Simple Queue Service (SQS) for task management and AWS Simple Notification Service (SNS) for notifications, ensuring that the system remained efficient and responsive.

Action

To accomplish this, I started by analyzing the existing VB.NET console application’s codebase and identifying the key validation logic that needed to be migrated. I then:

  1. Set up a Lambda function in .NET 5, rewriting and optimizing the validation logic from VB.NET to C#.

  2. Configured AWS SQS to act as a queue for incoming validation tasks, ensuring that requests could be processed asynchronously and reducing potential bottlenecks.

  3. Integrated AWS SNS to handle notifications, enabling the application to publish messages when specific conditions were met, such as successful or failed validations.

  4. Conducted rigorous testing to ensure data integrity and that validations were processed correctly in the new environment.

Result

This migration significantly improved the system’s performance, allowing for better scalability and reducing operational costs. By moving to AWS Lambda, we eliminated the need for dedicated servers, making maintenance easier. The system could now handle higher request volumes seamlessly, which improved the user experience and enhanced operational efficiency.

Vocabulary
growing needscost-efficiencyensure
remain responsiveaccomplishapplication’s codebase
potential bottlenecksconditions were methandle higher request volumes
Seamlessly

  • Growing needs

    • Definition: Requirements or demands that increase over time as conditions change or as an organization expands.

    • Sample Sentences:

      • "The company invested in new software to meet the growing needs of its customer base."

      • "As the team expands, the growing needs for collaboration tools become evident."

    • Portuguese: necessidades crescentes

  • Cost-efficiency

    • Definition: The measure of how economically resources (money, time, effort) are utilized to achieve desired results, typically aiming for high output at minimal cost.

    • Sample Sentences:

      • "The company adopted cloud solutions for greater cost-efficiency in data management."

      • "Choosing a cost-efficient option saved the project a significant amount of budget."

    • Portuguese: custo-benefício

  • Ensure

    • Definition: To make certain that something will occur or be the case.

    • Sample Sentences:

      • "We must ensure that all files are backed up before the update."

      • "The team worked hard to ensure the quality of the final product."

    • Portuguese: garantir

  • Remain responsive

    • Definition: To continue being quick to react to changes or requests.

    • Sample Sentences:

      • "Our customer service team strives to remain responsive, even during peak hours."

      • "The new software allows the system to remain responsive under high demand."

    • Portuguese: permanecer responsivo

  • Accomplish

    • Definition: To achieve or complete a goal or task successfully.

    • Sample Sentences:

      • "The team worked late to accomplish the project on time."

      • "With the right tools, you can accomplish complex tasks efficiently."

    • Portuguese: realizar, atingir

  • Application’s codebase

    • Definition: The complete source code for an application, which includes all files and components that make up the software.

    • Sample Sentences:

      • "The team reviewed the application’s codebase to identify areas for optimization."

      • "They migrated the application's codebase to a new programming language."

    • Portuguese: base de código do aplicativo

  • Potential bottlenecks

    • Definition: Areas in a process that could slow down or limit performance due to capacity constraints or inefficiencies.

    • Sample Sentences:

      • "The team analyzed workflows to identify potential bottlenecks."

      • "Improving server capacity eliminated potential bottlenecks during high traffic."

    • Portuguese: gargalos potenciais

  • Conditions were met

    • Definition: Situations or requirements that were fulfilled or satisfied.

    • Sample Sentences:

      • "The contract was signed only after all conditions were met."

      • "The system triggers an alert if specific conditions are met."

    • Portuguese: condições foram atendidas

  • Handle higher request volumes

    • Definition: To be capable of managing a larger number of requests or demand without compromising performance.

    • Sample Sentences:

      • "Upgrading the server allows the system to handle higher request volumes efficiently."

      • "The application was redesigned to handle higher request volumes without delays."

    • Portuguese: lidar com maiores volumes de solicitação

  • Seamlessly

    • Definition: Smoothly and continuously, without interruptions or noticeable changes.

    • Sample Sentences:

      • "The new software integrated seamlessly into the existing system."

      • "The application updates were installed seamlessly, without affecting user experience."

    • Portuguese: sem problemas, perfeitamente

Exercises

Story telling

Role play

Instructions
For this exercise, you will practice using the vocabulary related to this dialog by acting out a role-play scenario.

Words to be included

[growing needs, cost-efficiency, ensure, remain responsive, accomplish, application’s codebase, potential bottlenecks, conditions were met, handle higher request volumes, Seamlessly]

Personal experience

Talk about your past experience with the topic.

Homework

  1. What was the main objective of the project described in the text?

    • A. To create a new validation tool

    • B. To modernize a bank’s payer validation project using a serverless approach

    • C. To develop a mobile application

    • D. To enhance the bank’s customer service

  2. Which AWS services were used in the reimplementation of the validation project, and what were their purposes?

    • A. Lambda for notifications and SNS for task management

    • B. SQS for task management and Lambda for processing payments

    • C. SQS for task management and SNS for notifications

    • D. SNS for queue management and SQS for notifications

  3. What challenges did the developer face when migrating the project from VB.NET to AWS Lambda in .NET 5?

    • A. Setting up notifications for users

    • B. Understanding and translating the validation logic from VB.NET to C#

    • C. Managing a high volume of payments

    • D. Configuring the existing database

  4. What was one benefit mentioned as a result of migrating the validation system to AWS Lambda?

    • A. Reduced need for dedicated servers

    • B. Added new payment methods

    • C. Enabled offline access for users

    • D. Expanded user base internationally

  5. How did integrating AWS SQS and SNS contribute to the efficiency of the new system?

    • A. By simplifying the database structure

    • B. By allowing requests to be processed asynchronously and notifying about specific validation outcomes

    • C. By enabling faster software updates

    • D. By reducing the number of required validation checks

Fill-in-the blanks

Fill in the blanks with the correct word or phrase from the vocabulary list:

[growing needs, cost-efficiency, ensure, remain responsive, accomplish, application’s codebase, potential bottlenecks, conditions were met, handle higher request volumes, Seamlessly]

  1. As the company expanded, they had to adjust their services to meet the __________ of their clients.

  2. Moving the system to the cloud allowed for greater __________ by reducing expenses on dedicated servers.

  3. To avoid delays in the workflow, we need to identify and resolve any __________ in our processes.

  4. The team worked hard to __________ the project before the end of the quarter.

  5. To maintain a high-quality user experience, the application must __________ even during peak usage times.

  6. Before launching the software update, the developers reviewed the entire __________ to fix any lingering issues.

  7. Integrating new features required that specific __________, such as data accuracy and performance, were __________.

  8. By optimizing our infrastructure, the system can now __________ without slowing down or crashing.

  9. The new software integrates __________ with the existing tools, creating a smoother experience for users.

  10. Our main priority is to __________ that all security protocols are followed for user safety.

Partner role play

Role Descriptions:

  • Partner A (Project Manager): You are responsible for the project’s overall success, timeline, and budget. You want to make sure that the new solution is scalable, efficient, and meets the bank’s growing needs.

You’re also concerned about cost-efficiency and want to ensure that the project will be completed on time and within budget. During the discussion, ask about potential challenges, including potential bottlenecks and ways to handle higher request volumes.

  • Partner B (Software Developer): You are responsible for the technical migration, including analyzing the application’s codebase and implementing the solution to seamlessly integrate with AWS Lambda.

Discuss your plans to remain responsive under high demand and how you’ll meet all the conditions for a smooth transition. Address any potential concerns about bottlenecks and explain how you will accomplish the project goals.

Produce

Create Your Own Dialog

Instructions:
Using the new words/expressions you’ve learned.

Done

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Written by

Alexandre Calaça
Alexandre Calaça

I'm a passionate software developer.