Best Practices for Code Refactoring
Best Practices for Code Refactoring
What is Code Refactoring?
In the simplest of words, code refactoring is a process that works around restructuring and editing an existing code without bringing a change in its functioning. In this process, the external behavior of the code remains the same.
All the changes are made only in the internal structure of the code. This process is undertaken to make the code more maintainable and clean as the sooner the errors are spotted, the better!
In terms of computer programming and software design, the term “refactoring” refers to a transformation where the behavior of the code is preserved. Code refactoring should be a routine process as it not just helps in keeping the code up to date, it also helps in reducing the costs of the company.
At Codegrip, the prime focus is on quality. For the same, the company ensures that all codes are cleaner, efficient and error-free. Inaccuracies like, poor classifications, overwriting codes and others can be avoided with proper considerations and processing.
When should you consider software refactoring?
Refactoring should ideally be a part of your routine processes. It is an integral process that should not be treated as an additional task. With the above said, developers still believe that the most appropriate time to undertake the same would be before making any changes to the current code. The process should be done before any new features or functionalities are added to the code.
Besides this, refactoring can be done to understand any code in a much better and efficient manner. This process has two-fold benefits. One, it boosts up the consistency of the code. And two, it makes it simpler for the future developer to work on the raw, first-hand code.
How to perform code refactoring?
It is clear from the above argument that code refactoring should be done before incorporating new features or functionalities. The process of refactoring does not impact the way a product or a code behaves. In line with the above, many techniques can be followed to undergo code refactoring. Some of the widely used techniques are under-laid.
- Red-green refactoring
One of the most popularly used refactoring techniques is the Red-Green technique. Simply stated, this technique can be further broken down into three consecutive steps that land us onto an improved code.
The incorporation of the code in the development cycle starts with the “RED” stage, where you put in your code and help it to pass it through the “GREEN” stage and then finally work on the improvements and enhancements of your code. With this approach, you can effortlessly integrate refactoring into the entire development process.
- Branching by Abstraction refactoring
Branching by Abstraction has its own set of techniques with one primary goal that is to reduce duplication of codes. For example, the Pull-Up/ Push-Down method is a combination of two opposite refactoring forms.
Pull-Up, as the name suggests, pulls the parts of the codes into superclasses for the elimination of duplication of code. Supplementing the process, Push-Down picks up the code from the superclass and pushes it down to the sub-classes.
- Simplifying Conditional Expressions refactoring
With time, codes get complicated and simplification of the logic is essential. The method of simplification involves manipulating and twisting class interactions. The process includes eliminating, adding, replacing and implementing new variables to simplify the same(DZone).
Best Practices for Code Refactoring
There are various practices and recommendations with regards to code refactoring. The following points can be considered as prime recommendations.
- Plan your refactoring well in advance
Refactoring is a helpful yet time-consuming process. Due to the same, you should always have your codes and processes planned well in advance. Along with this, the size of the code also matters. Refactoring larger codes may lead to the risks of blocking. To avoid the same, proper planning and preparation become the key.
- Run regular tests on your codes
All adjustments and dependencies surface while the process of refactoring is undertaken. Codegrip has got your back to identify and understand all the different enhancements and adaptations.
- Refactor before adding improvements
As understood that refactoring is a time-consuming process and so undergoing the same before adding improvements would delay the project. But, on the bright side, it would reduce the technical debt that you would have to deal with in the coming time.
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Conclusion
To sum up this discussion on code refactoring, it can be considered as an organizational method that can help you keep your codes clean and in place. And when everything is in place, it is certainly easier to work.
Routine and regular cleaning and organizing of your codes would help in the creation of a healthy, efficient workplace leading to effective working. Codegrip understands all of the above benefits, applications and uses and ensures that all your codes are always in place and organized.
