Rename `/representative-form-upload` To `submissions`? A Feasibility Study

Background: The Quest for an Ideal URL Structure

Guys, we're on a mission! Our UX team has laid out a vision for the perfect URL structure, and it's up to us to make it a reality. You can check out the outlined ideal URL structure here. The main goal here is to tackle a specific recommendation: renaming /representative-form-upload to something cleaner and more intuitive – submissions. This change is directly related to addressing Staging Review finding #114640, which flagged this URL as needing improvement. So, why all the fuss about a simple URL? Well, a well-structured URL isn't just about aesthetics; it's about making the user experience smoother and more understandable. Clear and concise URLs help users quickly grasp the content of a page, making navigation more intuitive and efficient. They also play a crucial role in search engine optimization (SEO), helping search engines better understand and rank our content. In essence, it's about creating a more user-friendly and accessible online environment for our veterans and their families.

However, there's a snag. The current setup has /representative-form-upload residing in one application, while submissions lives in another. This isn't just a matter of a quick find-and-replace; it's a potentially complex technical challenge that we need to investigate thoroughly. We need to figure out if these architectural constraints will allow the change. Before we can commit to this seemingly simple change, we need to understand the technical implications and potential roadblocks involved. This includes assessing the impact on existing systems, identifying any dependencies that might be affected, and evaluating the resources required to implement the change safely and effectively. By conducting a thorough analysis, we can make an informed decision about whether or not to proceed with the renaming and ensure a smooth transition for our users.

This isn't just about renaming a URL; it's about improving the overall user experience and ensuring that our online resources are as accessible and user-friendly as possible. By addressing this challenge head-on, we're taking a proactive step towards creating a better online environment for our veterans and their families.

The Challenge: Two Applications, One URL

The core issue we're tackling is the fact that /representative-form-upload and submissions exist in different application ecosystems. This separation introduces a level of complexity that needs careful consideration. It's not as simple as just changing the name in one place; we need to understand how these two applications interact, whether they share any dependencies, and how a change in one application might affect the other. Think of it like trying to merge two separate train tracks – you need to make sure the gauges match, the signals are compatible, and the connections are seamless. In our case, we need to ensure that renaming the URL doesn't break any existing functionality or create any unexpected side effects. This means diving deep into the architecture of both applications, mapping out their dependencies, and identifying any potential conflicts. It also means carefully planning the implementation process, including testing and monitoring, to ensure a smooth transition for our users.

Navigating Application Boundaries: The main challenge resides in the architectural separation. The /representative-form-upload is nestled within one application, while submissions calls another application home. This division means we can't just do a simple rename; we have to consider cross-application dependencies and potential conflicts. Imagine trying to reroute a water pipe that connects two separate buildings – you need to understand the plumbing of both buildings to avoid any leaks or disruptions. Similarly, we need to thoroughly understand the architecture of both applications to ensure a seamless and trouble-free URL renaming process. This involves identifying all the components that rely on the current URL, assessing the impact of the change on each component, and developing a migration plan that minimizes the risk of errors or downtime. By carefully navigating these application boundaries, we can ensure that the renaming process is smooth, efficient, and ultimately beneficial to our users.

Understanding the Implications: Renaming a URL might seem like a small change, but it can have far-reaching consequences. We need to analyze how this change would impact existing links, bookmarks, and search engine rankings. We also need to consider the potential for broken links and the steps we would take to mitigate them. This means implementing redirects, updating documentation, and communicating the change to users. It also means monitoring the site for any errors or unexpected behavior after the change is implemented. By carefully considering the implications of the renaming, we can minimize the disruption to our users and ensure a smooth transition to the new URL structure. Ultimately, our goal is to make the change as transparent as possible, so that users can continue to access the information they need without any hassle.

The Need for Investigation: That's where this ticket comes in. We need to investigate the feasibility of this rename. This means understanding the technical constraints, identifying potential solutions, and weighing the pros and cons of each option. It's like being a detective, piecing together clues to solve a mystery. We need to gather information from different sources, analyze the evidence, and draw conclusions based on our findings. This will involve consulting with developers, architects, and other stakeholders to gain a comprehensive understanding of the technical landscape. It will also involve conducting experiments, testing hypotheses, and iterating on our solutions. By taking a systematic and data-driven approach, we can make an informed decision about whether or not to proceed with the renaming and ensure that the change is implemented successfully.

Acceptance Criteria: Defining Success

To make sure we're on the right track, we need to define what