We have a set of software development principles that we try to embrace on the teams that I work with. One principle I continually emphasize with my teams is "refactoring along the way." What do I encourage with this idea? That as software engineers we should be looking for opportunities to improve our code base while we are working. Some on the team talk about the 'boy scout rule', in other words, leaving the code in a better state than you found it and I feel like refactoring along the way is another way of stating this. This approach, while seemingly straightforward, holds value in maintaining code quality, managing technical debt, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Here’s why this principle is crucial and how to implement it effectively.
The Importance of Refactoring Along the Way
Refactoring, at its core, is the process of restructuring existing code without changing its external behavior. It aims to improve the nonfunctional attributes of the software. The benefits of refactoring are manifold:
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Enhanced Code Readability: Clean, well-structured code is easier to understand and maintain. This is especially important in a team setting where multiple developers interact with the same codebase or where multiple teams are going to be working from a larger code base.
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Improved Maintainability: As code evolves, it often becomes complex and harder to manage. How do you ensure that you can introduce smaller, more discrete changes? Regular refactoring helps keep the codebase manageable and reduces the likelihood of introducing bugs.
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Performance Optimization: While refactoring isn't primarily about performance improvements, cleaner code often leads to better optimization opportunities. Often the 'old' way we did something comes to light with a 'new' or 'newer' way and these ways can include performance improvements.
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Reduced Technical Debt: Technical debt is the accumulation of shortcuts and suboptimal solutions in the codebase. It happens. We balance optimal code against deadlines, and sometimes we don't have the chance to ship the best solution. I recently read that there isn't 'bad' or 'good' code, but just 'high quality' and 'low quality'. By refactoring regularly, we address these issues incrementally rather than letting them snowball into major problems. Our goal is to use refactoring to be able to have mostly 'high quality' code in our application.
Building Discernment in Refactoring
While the benefits of refactoring are clear, knowing when and how to refactor requires discernment and good judgement. If your team is always refactoring, this can affect productivity and impact deadlines. How to you balance the value of refactoring with the practical realities? Here are some guidelines to help navigate these decisions:
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Refactor Within the Scope of Current Work: If you notice an opportunity to improve the code you're currently working on, and it can be done quickly without disrupting your main task, go ahead and refactor. This could be as simple as renaming variables for clarity, breaking down a large function into smaller ones, or removing redundant code.
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Separate Pull Requests for Larger Refactors: When the scope of the refactoring is larger and could impact multiple areas of the codebase, it's often best to handle it in a separate pull request. This approach allows for more focused code reviews and reduces the risk of introducing unintended side effects.
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Prioritize Refactoring Tasks: Not all code requires immediate refactoring. Prioritize based on factors such as the frequency of code changes in a particular module, the complexity of the code, and the potential impact on the overall system.
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Communicate and Collaborate: Refactoring decisions should not be made in isolation. Discuss with your team, seek input, and build consensus. This ensures that everyone is on the same page and understands the rationale behind the changes.
Managing Technical Debt Through Refactoring
Technical debt is a reality in any software project, but managing it proactively can prevent it from becoming a major obstacle. Here’s how regular refactoring helps:
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Incremental Improvements: Instead of postponing improvements for a 'big rewrite' that may never happen, refactoring along the way allows for continuous, incremental enhancements. This approach keeps the codebase healthy and reduces the accumulation of debt.
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Early Detection of Issues: Regularly reviewing and improving code helps in identifying potential problems early. It’s easier to address issues when they are small rather than dealing with a significant backlog of technical debt.
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Better Code Quality Standards: When refactoring becomes a habit, it sets a standard for code quality within the team. New code is written with a mindset of maintainability and clarity, reducing the likelihood of introducing new technical debt.
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Balancing New Features and Maintenance: It's easy to get caught up in the rush to add new features, but balancing this with regular maintenance through refactoring ensures long-term sustainability. A well-maintained codebase is more flexible and adaptable to future requirements.
Conclusion
Refactoring along the way is more than just a technical practice; it's a mindset. As an engineering manager, encouraging this principle within your teams can lead to a healthier codebase, better collaboration, and ultimately, higher quality software. By building discernment in the scope and timing of refactoring, and proactively managing technical debt, we create an environment where continuous improvement is not just encouraged but ingrained in our development process.
Let’s embrace refactoring not as a task to be done later, but as an integral part of our daily work. By doing so, we set ourselves up for long-term success and sustainability in our software projects.