MODE Network EVM Chain
Contract Frontend Engineer leading a comprehensive architectural refactor of the MODE Network blockchain application. Modernized the Next.js and React codebase, reduced technical debt, and improved developer experience across the platform.
Role: Contract Frontend Engineer
The Challenge
Scaling and modernizing a blockchain application codebase
Inheriting a large, organically grown codebase with significant technical debt accumulated over multiple rapid development cycles
Maintaining zero downtime for a production blockchain application during the refactoring process
Modernizing legacy class-based React components and outdated patterns without introducing regressions
Improving build times and developer experience to accelerate feature delivery for a fast-moving EVM chain project
MODE Network is an Ethereum Layer 2 built to grow the world on-chain. The application had grown rapidly to meet ecosystem demand, but that speed came at a cost. The codebase had accumulated layers of technical debt: inconsistent patterns, duplicated logic, outdated dependencies, and a structure that made onboarding new developers slow and error-prone. My mandate was clear: modernize everything without breaking anything.
The Approach
Systematic refactoring with zero tolerance for downtime
Systematic Codebase Audit
Before writing any new code, I conducted a thorough audit of the entire application. I mapped component dependencies, identified dead code paths, cataloged inconsistent patterns, and documented the implicit conventions the previous team had followed. This audit produced a prioritized refactoring roadmap that balanced risk reduction with developer velocity gains.
Incremental Migration Strategy
With a production blockchain application depending on stability, a big-bang rewrite was not an option. I adopted a strangler fig pattern, gradually replacing legacy modules with modernized equivalents. Each migration was behind feature flags, allowing instant rollback if issues arose. Class components were converted to functional components with hooks. Inline styles were replaced with TailwindCSS utilities. Global state was refactored into composable, context-based patterns.
Modern React Patterns
The refactored codebase embraced modern React conventions: custom hooks for reusable logic, compound component patterns for complex UI, and optimized rendering strategies. I introduced strict TypeScript configurations to catch entire categories of bugs at compile time. Barrel exports were reorganized, circular dependencies were eliminated, and the module boundary structure was simplified so that new developers could navigate the codebase within their first day.
Performance-First Mindset
Every refactored module was profiled before and after the change. I optimized bundle splitting to reduce initial load times, implemented lazy loading for below-the-fold content, and replaced heavy third-party libraries with lighter alternatives where possible. Memoization strategies were applied to expensive computations, and re-render cycles were minimized through careful state management.
Tech Stack
The technologies used in the refactoring effort
Results
Measurable outcomes from the refactoring engagement
Full codebase modernization from legacy patterns to current React best practices
Zero downtime achieved through incremental migration and feature flags
Eliminated dead code, circular dependencies, and inconsistent patterns project-wide
Clearer module boundaries and consistent conventions reduced ramp-up time for new engineers
Additional Outcomes
Faster onboarding for new developers due to clearer module boundaries and consistent coding conventions
Reduced build times enabling quicker iteration cycles and faster deployments
Improved runtime performance through bundle optimization and strategic lazy loading
Stronger type safety across the entire application with strict TypeScript enforcement
Cleaner separation of concerns making future feature additions predictable and low-risk
Established code review processes and contribution guidelines that outlasted the engagement
Need Your Codebase Modernized?
I specialize in large-scale refactoring that improves performance, reduces tech debt, and accelerates your team without disrupting your users. Let us talk about your codebase.