# Schema Evolution

> The ability to change a data schema over time without breaking existing readers or writers.

Record: `lexicon:schema-evolution`
Kind: capability
Layer: [Contracts Core](https://banes-lab.com/records/layer/contracts-core.md)
Canonical: https://banes-lab.com/ontology/lexicon#lexicon-schema-evolution

Listed in [Lexicon terms](https://banes-lab.com/api/records/lexicon.md), after [Rolling Upgrades](https://banes-lab.com/records/lexicon/rolling-upgrades.md) and before [Consumer Safety](https://banes-lab.com/records/lexicon/consumer-safety.md).

## Category

- [Contracts / Interfaces / Compatibility](https://banes-lab.com/records/lexicon-category/contracts-interfaces-compatibility.md)

## Enabled by

- [Data Contract](https://banes-lab.com/records/architecture/data-contract.md)

## Linked from

- [Contracts / Interfaces / Compatibility](https://banes-lab.com/ontology/principles/architecture-category-contracts-interfaces-compatibility.md)