What suffix should be added to "upgrade-safe" naming conventions for new columns added to existing entities?

The use of the suffix "_Ext" in the "upgrade-safe" naming conventions for new columns added to existing entities is a best practice in Guidewire development. This suffix signifies that the column is an extension of the existing entity, making it clear that the original structure has been modified to include new information while still being compatible with the existing entity's schema.

By using "_Ext", developers and system maintainers can easily identify which fields are part of the original design and which have been added later, facilitating better maintenance and upgrades of the software. This approach reduces the risk of conflicts during future upgrades because it indicates that the additional fields are explicitly recognized as extensions, allowing for a smoother integration with new versions of the Guidewire platform.

Other suffixes, such as "_Mod", "_New", or "_Add", do not convey the same meaning of being a safe extension of existing entities, and could suggest modifications to existing functionality, which may not be handled as gracefully during system updates or migrations. Hence, adopting "_Ext" aligns with best practices for maintaining upgrade safety while enhancing the clarity and organization of the data schema.