techdebt
nounUK /ˈtɛk dɛt/
US /ˈtɛk dɛt/
Tech debt is when computer code is messy or old and makes fixing things harder later.
The team spent the whole sprint paying down tech debt instead of adding new features.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. Shortcuts taken in software design that save time now but cost more effort later.
Skipping tests to hit the deadline created a lot of tech debt.
3. The extra work needed to update or replace outdated systems and tools.
Migrating the old database is pure tech debt work.
4. A metaphor comparing messy code to financial borrowing that must be repaid.
Like a loan, tech debt charges interest in the form of slower releases.