Why Do Automated Refactoring Projects Fail?
Automated code refactoring has its challenges. We have some key recommendations for success.

Why Do Automated Refactoring Projects Fail?

Automation is a buzzword in today's software industry, promising efficiency and accuracy to unprecedented levels. However, as with all technological advancements, it comes with its share of challenges you'll want to meet head-on.

One area where this is evident is automated software refactoring. Despite high expectations, many projects need help to get through.

Automated software refactoring can reduce pain points dramatically, freeing you to spend more resources shipping tighter and more advanced software.

In this article, we uncover common reasons behind these failures and follow up with recommendations on circumventing them.

Why Refactoring is a Good Practice

Before getting into the common failure points of automated software refactoring, let's take a look at why refactoring itself is a good idea in the first place:

Improved Maintainability

Refactored code is easier to understand, making it more maintainable for developers who may work with it in the future. You can also refactor your code into an environment that's easier to maintain, for example, moving from standard COBAL to ILE COBOL on the IBM i.

Improved Performance

Refactoring allows developers to optimize code for better performance, leading to faster execution times and improved overall system efficiency.? Rewriting SQL statements, for instance, can significantly increase application speed.

Remove Security vulnerabilities?

Moving to a new, more secure platform can save you from security vulnerability headaches. You may want to move from COBOL to Java to port the app from the IBM I to Windows or IBM Z to a zip processor.

Enhanced Scalability

Well-structured code allows for easier additions and modifications, enabling the application to adapt to changing requirements.

Reduced Technical Debt

Refactoring reduces technical debt by eliminating design flaws, duplicated code, and obsolete constructs, leading to better long-term productivity.

Increased Code Reusability

Refactored code often becomes more modular, allowing for increased reusability across different parts of the software.

Understanding Software Refactoring Challenges?

Software refactoring is the process of restructuring existing computer code without changing its external behavior, aiming to improve its non-functional attributes.

Automated software refactoring uses tools to automate this process. It's an attractive proposition, promising faster delivery times, reduced manual effort, and minimized errors.

However, the reality can often be quite different.

Reasons for Failure?

1. Treating Automation as a Time-Boxed Project?

Many organizations treat automation as a one-off project rather than an integral part of their software development process. This approach often leads to a lack of continuous monitoring, maintenance, and improvement, resulting in the project's eventual failure.?

2. Lack of Scalability Planning?

Automated refactoring projects often fail due to a lack of scalability planning. Without proper planning, the system may slow down as the database grows, causing performance issues.?

3. Incorrect Application or Understanding of Automation?

Test automation projects can sometimes fail due to a lack of understanding of automation's role. Automation should not replace manual testing entirely but should complement it.?

4. Inadequate Requirements?

Most software projects fail because they don't meet all their requirements. The same applies to automated software refactoring projects. It will likely fail if the project's scope and requirements aren't clearly defined and understood.?

5. Rejection of Refactorings?

Refactoring proposals in pull requests are often rejected after the code review. This could be due to several reasons, such as a lack of understanding of the benefits of refactoring or a fear of breaking existing functionality.?

Recommendations for Success

Despite these pitfalls, the promise of automated refactoring can be achieved with some strategy and planning.

1. Integrate Automation into the Development Process?

Rather than treating automation as a separate project, integrate it into your software development process. Continuous monitoring and improvement should be part of this integration. This approach will ensure that automation remains practical and relevant in the long term.?

2. Consider Scalability from the Beginning?

Ensure that your refactoring projects can handle future growth. Scalability should be a critical factor in selecting an automated refactoring tool. Choose tools that can handle large databases and continue to perform well as the database grows. Planning for future scalability needs during the initial setup is also essential. Proper database design and performance testing can help prevent scalability issues.??

3. Educate about Automation?

Ensure that everyone involved in the project understands the role and benefits of automation. It's not a replacement for manual testing but a tool to enhance it. Invest in training and provide resources to help team members learn about automation.?

4. Clearly Define Requirements?

Robust requirement gathering is the foundation of any successful project. In automated software refactoring, distinctly outlining what the system should achieve is crucial. This includes specifying not only the functional aspects but also non-functional ones like performance metrics, security standards, and code maintainability. Unclear requirements can lead to mismatches between the end product and expected outcomes, making it crucial for stakeholders to stay aligned throughout the project lifecycle.??

5. Embrace Refactoring?

Encourage developers to embrace refactoring. Ensure they understand its benefits and are not afraid to refactor their code. Embracing refactoring is not just about accepting individual changes; it is about promoting a mindset where developers are proactive in enhancing code. On the one hand, regular refactoring can prevent technical debt, ensuring that the codebase is clean, efficient, and easy to maintain. On the other, it allows for continuous improvement, which aligns with agile practices of incremental and iterative development.??

Development teams need to recognize that refactoring is integral to their work, akin to the routine maintenance vital for any system's longevity and effectiveness. Management should support this by providing the necessary resources, like time allocation, training, and the proper tools for automated refactoring, to reinforce a culture where quality code is the standard.?

6. Foster a Culture of Quality?

Developing a culture prioritizing quality over speed can pave the way for successful implementation of automated refactoring. Encourage teams to focus on the long-term health of the codebase rather than just short-term deliverables. Instituting code quality as a shared value within the team can lead to more frequent and effective refactoring efforts.?

7. Implement Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD)?

Adopting CI/CD practices ensures that refactoring is a regular part of the development lifecycle. By continuously integrating and deploying code, teams are forced to address refactoring needs more proactively, which helps maintain a clean codebase.?

8. Use Metrics to Track Success?

Track the success of your refactoring efforts with appropriate metrics. Measuring factors like the frequency of code integration, the amount of technical debt, and the number of bugs reported can give valuable insights into the effectiveness of your refactoring efforts.?

9. Customize Refactoring Techniques to Fit Project Needs?

Understand that not all refactoring techniques suit every project. Tailor your approach to the project's specific needs, taking into account factors such as the size of the codebase, the programming languages in use, and the domain of the application.?

10. Leverage Expertise and Specialized Tools?

Engage with experts who have a proven track record in software refactoring and make use of specialized tools designed for refactoring. These resources can provide the necessary expertise and support to tackle complex refactoring tasks effectively.?

By applying these additional recommendations, you can further improve your chances of success in automated software refactoring projects, ensuring you can reap the full benefits of this powerful approach to maintaining and improving your software assets.

Final Thoughts?

Automated software refactoring can reduce pain points dramatically, freeing you to spend more resources shipping tighter and more advanced software. As with any new technology, implementation will present unforeseen challenges. Do your research, plan accordingly, and enlist outside expertise to get the best results for you and your team.


CM First Group Can Help

Our deep experience with legacy enterprise systems puts us uniquely positioned to help reinvent your modernization efforts and set the stage for legacy application refactoring that can transform your organization.

Please get in touch with us for more information or to schedule a demonstration of our CM evolveIT software and how its impact analysis capabilities can set your COBOL refactoring project up for long-term success.

You can also call us at 888-866-6179 or email us at [email protected].

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