AI Trading: Lesson Learned #112: Phase 1 Cleanup - ChromaDB Removed

A code audit discovered persistent ChromaDB references across numerous files, despite previous directives. This indicated incomplete removal of the deprecated database and resulted in Phase 1 cleanup. The root cause was failing to fully remove ChromaDB from several critical files. This incomplete removal introduced unnecessary complexity and potential errors. The fix involved completely removing ChromaDB code and simplifying search functionality locally. Trade sync was updated to leverage Vertex AI's RAG and local JSON data storage. Tests were updated to align with the revised architecture, and all workflows now utilize paper trading secrets. Prevention strategies include exhaustive dependency removal and comprehensive codebase audits during architectural changes. The new architecture features a local keyword-based search and Vertex AI's cloud-based RAG. Local JSON primarily stores trade information with a cloud backup via Vertex AI. This lesson reflects essential architecture adjustments and updates to CI workflows.