Cracking the code: refactoring tips and tricks

Time flies, and most systems grow old for modern technology ecosystems. Whether it is minor changes to new feature implementation, it often results in a flood of bugs, leading to drastic system performance and soaring maintenance costs. Lacking the ability to comply with modern security standards, such systems are also prone to cyber-attacks. On top of that, outdated software becomes incompatible with newer tools, limiting business capabilities.

To mitigate such risks, there are multiple software reengineering approaches. Among them, refactoring is a popular choice for developers and decision-makers. It is relatively cost-effective, easier to implement, and has proven to be effective for proactive management.

This blog post explores the advantages of refactoring and reviews five major techniques across various scenarios. We also provide time-tested tips and best practices for effective software modernization.

What is code refactoring?

Code refactoring refers to the process of restructuring and optimizing existing codebases. Unlike other forms of code modification, refactoring does not alter the external behavior of the software. Instead, it focuses solely on improving its internal structure, making it easier to understand, update, and maintain over time.

As part of software development, code refactoring does not stand as a separate step, though. You should consider it as a regular process, especially upon new feature implementation. For example, you review code to detect potential flaws when integrating new functionality so that you can handle them proactively and ensure a seamless process. Such an approach optimizes software for future scalability needs, meaning you will have fewer issues when expanding your system. Otherwise, you risk inflecting technical debt that will grow into major problems as your business evolves.

Why should you consider software refactoring?

Code refactoring comes with several benefits:

Improved code clarity

Experienced engineers familiar with legacy systems may retire or transition to newer technologies, leaving behind undocumented and redundant code that hamper software modernization. Code refactoring, in turn, offers a solution to future-proof your software, ensuring its adaptability and maintainability over time.

Scalability and ease of maintenance

Old tech can slow down basic updates, sometimes taking hours or even days. Messy, tangled code only adds to the problem, making it tough to track changes and run checks. Refactored code, on the other hand, is more flexible, reliable, and runs smoothly, making updates and system scaling simpler.

Performance and reliability

Refactoring prevents technical debt from piling up, which usually affects software performance and resources. In essence, the method ensures your software performs better in the long run.

Significant savings

Optimized code reduces the time developers spend fixing bugs and boosts their productivity, cutting labor costs. Furthermore, improved system performance leads to smoother software operations, which can ultimately reduce unexpected downtimes. Addressing code quality issues early also prevents the accumulation of technical debt, saving on future expenses.

5 code refactoring techniques

Various techniques and strategies are available for code refactoring, each serving specific purposes and objectives.

Red-Green Refactoring

This technique is often associated with test-driven development. Developers start by writing a failing test (the "red" phase), then write the minimum amount of code necessary to make the test pass (the "green" phase), and finally refactor the code to improve its structure and design while keeping the tests passing. This iterative process ensures that the codebase evolves incrementally and always remains functional.

Extract technique

This technique involves taking a code segment within a method and moving it into its new method. By extracting related code, developers can improve code readability, promote code reuse, and make the original method more focused and concise. The approach can also make it easier to understand and maintain the code.

Abstraction

Abstraction is a fundamental principle in software engineering that involves hiding unnecessary implementation details and exposing only essential features and behaviors. In the context of refactoring, abstraction techniques may include extracting interfaces, using design patterns like the factory or strategy pattern, or creating hierarchies of classes or functions. Abstraction helps to decouple components, promote code reuse, and facilitate future changes and extensions.

Composing technique

Composing method focuses on organizing code within a method to make it more structured and readable. This may involve breaking down complex tasks into smaller, more cohesive units of functionality, using meaningful variable names, and adhering to coding conventions. By composing methods effectively, developers can create code that is easier to understand, debug, and extend.

Simplifying technique

The approach entails reducing the complexity of existing methods by breaking them down into smaller, manageable pieces. This involves removing unnecessary logic, reducing the number of parameters, or eliminating code duplication. By simplifying methods, developers can improve code clarity, enhance maintainability, and reduce bugs.

The foundation of good refactoring

Effective code refactoring resides upon a solid foundation, encompassing these key principles:

1. Plan ahead. Define clear goals and objectives before starting any refactoring work. Identify the areas of code that need attention and outline the improvements you want to make.

‍2. Take small steps. Refactoring can feel overwhelming, so break it down into manageable tasks. Focus on one issue at a time to maintain clarity and avoid feeling swamped.

‍3. Keep testing. If your software has a test suite, make sure to maintain it and run tests regularly. These tests act as a safety net, catching any regressions that may occur after refactoring.

‍4. Use version control. Employ version control systems like Git to track changes effectively. This allows you to roll back to previous versions if needed, providing a safety net for your refactoring efforts.

‍5. Learn refactoring patterns. Familiarize yourself with common refactoring patterns. Applying this knowledge can guide your improvements and make the process smoother.

‍6. Update documentation. Keep code comments and documentation up-to-date as you refactor. This ensures that the changes are accurately reflected and helps maintain clarity for future developers.

‍7. Seek feedback. Have your refactoring work reviewed by peers or experts. Fresh perspectives can uncover issues you might miss and ensure the quality of your changes.

At TYMIQ, our expert team makes even the toughest tasks a breeze. With our wealth of experience, we excel at handling refactoring projects with precision and success. Let's discuss your project needs and create a custom strategy that works for you.