Code refactoring is used to rearrange or restructure the existing computer code. The process takes by executing factoring without changing the external behavior of the code. The reason one uses code refactoring is to improve the nonfunctional characters of the code. It helps in removing the complexions of the code and enhancing the reliability of the code. Code refactoring also helps in removing vulnerabilities of the system and also removes bugs. Basically it is a cycle of continues improvement of the code by different methods to make better.
Concept of Code Refactoring and how it Works:
Code refactoring usually takes place after code smell. Code smell is basically a long written code which is repetitive or is the duplicate of other code. This all can be address by changing the source code. After it is done, the new code will have the same meaning but there won’t be any “smell” or duplicity. There are various ways for code refactoring and some of them are mentioned below.
- Techniques that Push for Abstraction: The Encapsulate field forces the code to derive the field by using getter and setter methods. Using replacing method to replace conditional with polymorphism. Creating generalize type for producing more general types in order to share more codes. By replacing type-checking code with state or strategy.
- Method and Strategy used to break code into more logical pieces: By using the method of componentization, one can break code into reusable, well defined, clear and simple to function units. By using the method of extract class one can move the code from an existing to new class. One can also turn the old and long method into new method by using extract method.
- Strategy and Technique to improvise code name and location: One can move the code into an appropriate file by using move method. Rename method can be used to give a new name to the code that also defines its function. Also by using pull-up and pull-down, one can bring the class to OOP and back to sub class.
Advantages of Code Refactoring:
Extensible Code: Code Refactoring makes the code more extensible for adding many other function to it. It also helps in increasing the flexibility of the code and by this the capability of code increases.
Maintainability: After refactoring, the code is fresher, easier to understand or read, less complex and easier to maintain.
Disadvantages of Code Refactoring:
Time Consuming: You may have no idea how much time it may take to complete the process. It may also land you into a situation where you have no idea where to go.
Chance of Mistakes: In case if it went wrong, you will have to waste much more time in solving the problem and there are probable chances that it may go wrong due to complexity of the code.
Code Refactoring is a wise method of extending the code and making it more capable and in the same way it has some disadvantages. One need to make up his/her mind whether it is necessary to go for refactoring or not.
