What are the best practices for refactoring code?

What are the best practices for refactoring code?

Refactoring code involves improving its structure without changing its external behavior. Key practices include: 1. Keep changes small and incremental. 2. Write tests before refactoring to ensure functionality remains intact. 3. Use meaningful names for variables and functions. 4. Eliminate duplicate code. 5. Focus on readability and maintainability.

Can you explain why writing tests before refactoring is important?

Writing tests before refactoring is crucial because it provides a safety net. It ensures that the existing functionality is preserved, allowing you to confidently make changes. If a test fails after refactoring, you know something went wrong, and you can address it immediately.

What tools can help with refactoring?

There are several tools that can assist with refactoring, such as: 1. IDEs like IntelliJ IDEA and Visual Studio, which have built-in refactoring tools. 2. Linters and formatters like ESLint and Prettier for JavaScript. 3. Code analysis tools like SonarQube to identify code smells.

How often should I refactor my code?

You should refactor your code regularly, ideally as part of your development process. Refactor when you notice code smells, before adding new features, or when fixing bugs. Regular refactoring helps maintain code quality and prevents technical debt.