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Refactoring

We improve functionality, efficiency, ergonomics and safety in computer programs.

Briefly about refactoring

Refactoring is a programming process aimed at transforming existing computer code, or more precisely, changing factoring, without changing its external behavior, i.e., without introducing new functions.

Refactoring fixes non-functional software attributes, making the code more readable and easier to maintain, keeping it tidy, increasing performance, and minimizing the risk of errors. In other words, refactoring involves checking and correcting the finished program code to improve it. It should be added that the changes introduced do not affect the operation of the program.

Refactoring plays an important role, especially in neglected applications where introducing new functionalities in them would result in big problems. When implementing refactoring, you can use various tools, especially from programming environments, such as Eclipse or IntelliJ IDEA, using patterns and techniques related to clean code.

Advantages of refactoring

Thanks to refactoring, the code becomes more readable and easier to maintain, which improves its order, increases efficiency and minimizes the risk of errors.

Advantages of properly performed refactoring:

project improvement,
improving code structure and efficiency,
simplification of notation – improved readability,
improving source code maintainability,
improving the extensibility and transparency of software architecture,
separation of functionality,
easier system expansion – faster programming,
ease of testing – security in implementation,
faster error finding and minimization,
cheaper AWS plan and reduced expenses for support and development – saving money,
cleaning source files (unnecessary elements),
increasing usability and flexibility.

What, for example, can be gained by refactoring the code:

relatively simple code,
simpler API,
increasing the application speed by 2-3 times,
50% less code (!) with the same functionality.

Reasons for refactoring

The most common reason that makes refactoring necessary is high technical debt.

Technological debt can be described as thoughtless code writing, most often aimed at creating new functionalities as quickly as possible disregarding the best methods, and paying little attention to the quality of the entire solution.

Reasons for technical debt:

Time pressure. Technical debt often occurs as a result of the pressure to develop software as quickly as possible, usually at the expense of choosing an inferior solution. Moreover, incorrectly setting a deadline for project implementation, as well as rushing, may result in a lack of focus on the quality of the selected solution.
Lack of vision for application development. When working on a new project, you should take into account both its further development and the possible implementation of necessary corrections during its duration. The lack of a comprehensive analysis of the project and focusing only on new functionalities and meeting their assumptions is a common mistake leading to the selection of inflexible solutions.
Focus exclusively on new solutions. Putting the main emphasis in the project on the delivery of new functionalities, failure to optimize older solutions, and lack of time for corrections most often result in technological debt.
Selection of only the simplest and cheapest solutions. Unfortunately, simple and cheap solutions do not work in the long run, and the application scaling assumptions (it will be more difficult to expand or change existing functionalities due to too hermetic solutions).
Lack of competent software developers. The lack of programmers’ competencies means a lack of attention to good programming practices and the use of improperly selected methods which also increase the risk of problems.

Other reasons to refactor:

Outdated technology (technology stack)

Using systems based on outdated technologies may not only slow down the application but also increase, for example, the risk of data leakage, which in turn involves the additional cost of possible corrections.

Application lag

When the application starts to run slower and slower (this may be related to the point above) and the implementation of new functionalities becomes more difficult – its condition should be monitored – it may be time to refactor the code.

Poor code architecture

Incomprehensible and chaotic architecture is usually the result of the rush imposed on the project. Hasty introduction of new functionalities and lack of regular code reviews may result in problems.

The project did not confirm that the assumed concept was correct

A wrong assessment of the project and ill-considered involvement of too many resources may result in the creation of a product that does not work.

What does the refactoring process look like?

The most important thing is analysis. On its basis, conclusions and recommendations for changes in the system are developed. Then tests are developed and changes are implemented.

Work stages

1
In-depth analysis and familiarization with the application, its functionalities, and business logic.
2
Checking the technologies, frameworks, or CMS used for updates and length of support.
3
Code analysis in terms of quality and efficiency - evaluation of the existing code in terms of its usefulness.
4
Determining factors that harm the operation of the application - identifying the weakest links.
5
Planning and designing changes - determining solutions that will improve the operation of the application and how to implement them. Isolating the changed functionalities from each other, i.e. dividing and dealing with individual cases.
6
Estimating costs, working time, and tasks to be performed - writing an action plan.
7
Writing tests – testing.
8
Code refactoring - implementation of previously planned changes.

How do we improve code quality with Refactoring

Additional good practices when refactoring code:

frequent commits, i.e. authentication of temporarily introduced changes,
simplifying the API and thus the code and logic of the project,
cleaning source files from unnecessary elements.

The refactoring process is not a process whose course can be clearly defined. The matter is quite complex and situation-dependent. The most important thing to remember when refactoring is to not disrupt an application that is already running so that users don’t experience any issues.

To summarize, code refactoring is the process of simplifying the design of a module without changing its functionality. Correct code is a guarantee of stability, quality, and flexibility of the created system, while its absence may cause problems at a later stage of the project.

Maintaining high-quality code is essential if you want to meet user expectations and seamlessly implement subsequent functionalities in the application. For this reason, code refactoring becomes a long-term investment that will bring benefits in the future in the form of a well-functioning product, which in turn will enable you to achieve your business goals.