When updating a legacy data source, it is a best practice to create a codebook to document field changes. A codebook serves as a detailed guide and record of the data structure, definitions, and any transformations or modifications made to the data fields. This documentation is crucial for maintaining data integrity, ensuring consistency, and facilitating future data use and understanding. It provides a reference that can be invaluable for data analysts, developers, and any stakeholders who need to work with the data.
Creating a codebook is preferred over placing old data in new fields, which can lead to confusion and data integrity issues. Keeping only the most recent data may result in the loss of valuable historical information. Removing the data source from production is not a practice related to updating data but rather to retiring a data source1234.
References:
* Legacy Data Migration: A Comprehensive Guide | OpenGeeksLab
* How to Successfully Complete Legacy Database Migration
* Methods for Saving and Integrating Legacy Data - DATAVERSITY
* Legacy Data Digitization - Learn The Best Practices