The Essential Guide to Code Refactoring in Software Development
Inspirisys Solutions Limited (a CAC Holdings Group Company)
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In the ever-changing world of the digital landscape, every organization aims to build software solutions that are scalable, efficient and robust.??
But are you familiar with the factors that contribute to the success of the software???
The primary elements commonly associated include underlying concepts, logic and technical competence. However, the success of the software doesn’t stop here. Key factors such as performance, clarity and quality also play an important role.?Nevertheless, it isn’t an easy task as one might think, as it involves effort, time and money. But code refactoring enables the implementation of a successful software development process.?
Before delving into the blog, do you know who Martin Fowler is??
Well, Martin Fowler is considered the ‘Father of Refactoring’ and defines refactoring as a disciplined technique for restructuring an existing body of code, altering its internal structure without changing its external behaviour.??
The main objectives of code refactoring are to make the code readable, enhance performance and ensure its longevity.??
Through this process, developers can clear the outdated sessions, identify the bugs, apply coding methods and ensure that the code is scalable.??
Ultimately, the goals of refactoring include:?
Let's explore some key best practices for code refactoring.?
Code Refactoring Best Practices
One of the convenient ways to refactor the code is to follow the agile methods, which allow the code to be maintained in a clean, organized and efficient manner through comprehensive testing.? With software advancements and developments, code can become difficult to scale. Therefore, regular code refactoring and testing should be done. The following are the common practices for code refactoring:
1. Code Analysing
Analysing the code for its procedures, approaches and variables gains additional advantage. A better understanding of the code helps to achieve the objectives and avoids disruption of the prevailing functionality.???
2. Frequent Testing
Continuous testing is essential to find bugs or errors that influence the application’s performance and functionality, and it is essential to test before commencing the refactoring process. Software should always be tested before and after refactoring.????
3. Effective Refactoring Plan
Time constraints can be challenging when one undertakes code refactoring, but time can also be saved when proper planning is implemented before commencement. Hence, to have a successful refactoring, a proper plan needs to be executed.??
4. Refactoring in Small Steps
Breaking the process into smaller steps helps to allow consistent verification and code testing, therefore reducing the risk of bugs and errors in the code.??
5. Utilizing Version Control
Employing version control in code refactoring helps to track changes, allowing the creation of a distinct space for code alterations. This separate space enables the modification of code, which can then be seamlessly integrated with the main codebase.?
6. Performance Monitoring
Evaluating the performance of the application is a key aspect of refactoring. It helps in understanding the effectiveness of code optimization and provides valuable insights into the significance of the refactoring process.??
7. Automated Refactoring
Without regular optimization, every code eventually becomes a dreaded legacy code. Thus, automated refactoring simplifies the work process and enhances efficiency.??
Techniques for Code Refactoring?
Since code refactoring is crucial, it is essential to approach it carefully, as it can initiate a new set of bugs. Organizations carry out refactoring processes in various instances. Some of the code refactoring techniques include:
1. Red-Green-Refactor Method?
This simple technique breaks the procedure into three structured steps that facilitate Test-driven Development (TDD) and is common in agile development .?
Red, being the primary step, begins with reviewing the particular development one plans to undertake. After the completion, a test should be written without the implementation of the code, which will result in a test failure. This step ensures that the test is reliable in accurately identifying the absence of features.??
Following that, Green is the secondary step, focusing on working with the implemented code to qualify for the testing phase.??
Finally, during refactoring, the weak points are identified for further enhancement, making the code cleaner and more efficient.?
The stage of red-green-refactoring represents an iterative approach used to fix bugs, where the code is tested and refactored continuously, resulting in reliable software.?
2. Refactoring by Abstraction
This common technique is used in large-scale projects to identify various classes, which are extracted into interface, or abstract classes. The abstraction method helps to boost reusability, decrease code duplication and make the functionality easier.??
3. Composing Method
This technique is used when the code is lengthy or difficult to execute. It involves breaking the code into smaller components to increase readability and testability. Composing is designed to restructure the code by eradicating duplicates and breaking it into movable fragments.??
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4. Extract Method
This method enhances the overall code readability by providing clarification and addressing difficulties. It breaks the code into smaller pieces and transfers to a different method and the broken code is recovered with the new code.??
5. Simplify Method
The simplify method aims to reduce complexity and make it more understandable and maintainable. This involves various approaches like breaking the longer methods into simpler ones, decreasing the number of parameters, and substituting complex logic for simpler constructions.??
Now that we have grasped an understanding of the techniques for Code Refactoring, let’s explore the situations in which one should consider Software Refactoring:?
When Should you Consider Code Refactoring? ?
Code Refactoring can be accomplished in the following circumstances:?
1. Upgrading Performance
Refactoring can be employed to identify and address areas where algorithms and data structures are failing.?
2. Updating to Newer Technologies
Refactoring ensures better integration and compatibility when the code is shifted to newer technology or while upgrading the libraries.??
3. Boosting Modularity and Reusability
Employing refactoring helps break down the components into smaller pieces with distinct interfaces, thereby fostering easier testing and reusability. ?
Having understood when to refactor the code, it is also essential to carefully refactor as it has a high chance of attracting bugs if not done properly. Thus, appropriate version control and test coverage should be done before starting the process.??
Benefits of Code Refactoring
There are several reasons why code refactoring is important. Let’s now explore the benefits of code refactoring.
1. Refactoring makes Code Easier to Understand
The development process can become demanding when additional features are added but keeping the outdated code in legacy applications can be even more challenging. Thus, refactoring helps in working with the code more easily, and the actions covered in the process include:??
2. Simplifies Support and Code Updates?
Generally, refactoring makes clean code resulting in easier updates and improvements. Maintenance requires less time and budget, while also providing new functionalities for users.??
3. Increases Software Efficiency and Performance ? ?
Businesses consider refactoring to increase efficiency. Significant time is wasted when using clumsy code, as developers must spend time identifying bugs and fixing them. Nowadays, developers turn to refactoring to save time and money because it simplifies the process and results in faster system responses. The outcomes of using refactoring include higher revenue, increased user experience, and an expanded customer base.??
4. Lowers the Technical Debt
Cost savings can be achieved when businesses practice refactoring. The cost gets added up when some additional features are added to the regular app, thereby increasing the technical debt. Thus, the refactoring helps to reduce the cost as well as time. ?
5. Refactoring finds Bugs
Refactoring makes messy code more understandable, and as one becomes more familiar with the code, spotting bugs becomes easier. Thus, the quality of the project is enhanced by improving the code. Sometimes, bugs in the legacy code have a higher chance of going unnoticed because they might be small. Consequently, refactoring helps in reducing the overall number of bugs in the codebase.
When can Refactoring be Unnecessary for your Business??
At times, there can be situations where investing in code refactoring might not be feasible. Here are some scenarios when a business should consider delaying the practice:?
1. Time-to-Market is Crucial
If you are working on a tight schedule to launch your product, it might not be the right time for a code overhaul. Refactoring can be a time-consuming process, as it demands more time and effort than planned. Therefore, once the time-sensitive objectives are achieved, you should evaluate whether refactoring is necessary.??
2. No Future Updates Planned
The need for refactoring diminishes when the application reaches a stage where no further updates can be anticipated. Hence, refactoring may be unnecessary when there are no future plans.?
3. Total Overhaul is More Efficient
In some cases, the process can be cost-effective when the existing code is outdated. A wiser business decision might be reallocating those resources to build something new.??
Closing Thoughts?
The idea of investing in code refactoring can become a strategic move with a wide-reaching effect on your organization. To make informed decisions that contribute to sustained excellence, consider choices that enhance the value of refactoring in terms of cost savings, increased customer satisfaction, and maintainability.?
While overlooking refactoring may seem like saving costs, it often leads to unseen costs that hinder growth. Pursue the best practices and techniques outlined in the blog to stand out in the rapidly changing digital environment.??
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