👉 Side engineering refers to the process of modifying or extending the functionality of an existing system, product, or technology without altering its core architecture or licensing terms. This approach is often used to add new features, improve performance, or adapt to changing requirements while maintaining compatibility with the original design. Unlike "top engineering," which involves significant changes to the system's fundamental structure, side engineering focuses on incremental improvements and enhancements that can be implemented through additional layers, APIs, or third-party components. This method allows organizations to innovate and stay competitive without the need for extensive redevelopment or costly licensing upgrades.