

Study conducted as a part of the implementation of the project: “Entering American, British and Swedish markets with a comprehensive service of computer programs renovation (refactoring) by Codema”, No. POPW.Ol.02.00-06-0069/22. The project is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund under the Operational Programme Eastern Poland 2014-2020.
EU funding for the project: 851,663.82 PLN
Tests play an indispensable role in ensuring that changes made during refactoring do not negatively impact the functionality of the application. Our experiences have clearly shown that tests are an essential element of effective code refactoring. They have not only allowed us to increase the quality and reliability of our applications but also significantly enhanced our efficiency as a development team. Here, we will try to present their specifics and convince you of their usefulness.
Testing during code refactoring – What is this process?
Testing during code refactoring is a quality control process that is performed while making changes to existing code. It includes various types of tests aimed at ensuring that new changes have not negatively impacted the application’s functionality. During code refactoring, tests play a vital role in ensuring that changes made to the structure or logic of the code have not introduced errors or disrupted the existing functionality of the application. Testing during refactoring allows for the quick detection and resolution of potential problems before they are implemented in production.
How do we conduct tests during code refactoring at Codema?
At Codema, we carry out testing during code refactoring in several practical ways:
- Unit tests. These check whether individual parts of the code function correctly. Unit tests are performed at the level of the smallest logical units of code, such as functions or methods.
- Integration tests. These are used to check if different parts of the system work together correctly. These tests can be used to check if changes made to one part of the system have not disrupted the functionality of other elements.
- Regression tests. These allow checking whether introduced changes have not caused a regression, meaning the return of earlier errors that have already been fixed.
- Performance tests. These can be performed to ensure that introduced changes have not worsened the application’s performance.
Why are Tests in Refactoring so Significant?
- The role of tests in code refactoring is substantial. This statement is definitely worth confirming. The following reasons support this:
- Code assurance. Tests, especially automated ones, ensure that the system still operates as expected after refactoring. This is crucial for maintaining the consistency and reliability of the application.
- Error detection. In the process of refactoring, it is easy to unintentionally introduce errors. Tests allow for the quick detection and correction of such problems before they reach the production environment.
- Facilitating changes. Well-written tests can significantly facilitate the refactoring process, giving developers confidence that their changes do not introduce new problems.
- Code documentation. Tests also serve as a type of documentation, showing how the system should operate. This can be especially helpful for new team members.
As you can see, tests in the refactoring process are not just useful but essential. They ensure safety, efficiency, and confidence that introduced changes do not compromise the integrity and functionality of the application. Hence, in our standard of work at Codema, we place particular emphasis on this.
