Refactoring in software development is the process of restructuring existing code to make it more efficient, without altering how the software behaves. Instead of adding new features, developers focus on improving the internal structure so the code is easier to read and maintain.
What Is Refactoring?
In practice, refactoring means rewriting parts of the codebase to remove duplication, simplify logic, or improve naming conventions.
These improvements don’t change the end results for the user but make the codebase healthier for long-term development. Well-refactored code is easier to test and faster to enhance when new requirements arise.
Key Characteristics of Refactoring
Refactoring focuses on improving quality behind the scenes. Its most important characteristics include:
- Behavior-preserving changes: The software works the same way before and after refactoring, but the code is cleaner.
- Incremental process: Developers refactor in small, safe steps, often alongside automated tests to ensure nothing breaks.
Together, these traits help teams keep codebases stable while continuously improving them.
Common Refactoring Techniques
Refactoring can take many forms depending on the problem being solved:
- Code simplification: Removing duplicate logic, breaking large functions into smaller ones, or improving variable and method names.
- Structural improvements: Introducing design patterns, reorganizing classes, or modularizing code for better scalability.
These techniques reduce technical debt and make future development smoother.
Refactoring and Incredibuild
While refactoring improves code quality, the process often requires frequent rebuilding and retesting. Incredibuild accelerates these tasks by distributing workloads across multiple machines, dramatically reducing waiting times. This enables developers to refactor with confidence and keep projects moving forward.
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FAQs about Refactoring
What is an example of refactoring?
A common example is breaking a long function into several smaller, clearly named functions. This doesn’t change what the program does, but makes the code easier to understand and maintain.
What is website refactoring?
Website refactoring involves cleaning up the codebase of a website without altering its appearance or functionality. The goal is to improve performance, maintainability, and scalability.
Can AI refactor code?
AI tools can suggest refactoring options such as renaming variables, reformatting code, or removing duplication. However, developers still need to review changes to ensure they don’t introduce subtle errors.