REFACTORING Meaning and
Definition
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Refactoring is a term used in the field of software development to describe the process of restructuring the internal structure of a codebase without changing its external behavior or functionality. It involves making improvements to the existing codebase so that it becomes easier to understand, maintain, and extend.
The primary goal of refactoring is to enhance the readability and maintainability of the code, making it more efficient, reliable, and sustainable. It helps in reducing technical debt, which is the cumulative effect of shortcuts or hasty decisions taken during the development process.
Refactoring typically involves simplifying complex code, removing redundancy, improving code organization, and finding more efficient algorithms or data structures. It may also include renaming variables, classes, or methods to provide clearer and more descriptive names.
The refactoring process requires a thorough understanding of the existing codebase and its intended functionality. It is usually carried out incrementally, in small steps, ensuring that at each step, the code remains functional and passes all unit tests.
Several refactorings are codified as design patterns or best practices to address specific issues or improve specific aspects of the code. They serve as standardized techniques that developers can apply to their codebase to make it more maintainable and adaptable.
In summary, refactoring is the systematic process of improving the structure and design of software code without altering its external behavior. It aims to enhance readability, maintainability, and adaptability while reducing technical debt.
Common Misspellings for REFACTORING
Etymology of REFACTORING
The term "refactoring" was introduced in the field of software development, particularly in the context of object-oriented programming, by Martin Fowler in his book "Refactoring: Improving the Design of Existing Code" published in 1999.
The word itself is a combination of "re-", meaning again or anew, and "factor", which refers to a contributing element or component. Therefore, "refactoring" can be understood as restructuring or reorganizing the factors or elements of a software codebase without altering its external behavior. The term gained popularity and became widely adopted in the software development community as a fundamental practice for improving code quality and maintainability.
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