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Addis Ababa Science and Technology University

The document discusses software refactoring, which is the process of improving existing code's internal structure without altering its external behavior, enhancing readability and maintainability. It outlines various refactoring techniques such as Extract Method, Inline Method, Move Method, and Rename Method, along with their benefits and drawbacks. The conclusion emphasizes the importance of strategic refactoring to improve software quality while managing the associated risks and costs.

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9 views5 pages

Addis Ababa Science and Technology University

The document discusses software refactoring, which is the process of improving existing code's internal structure without altering its external behavior, enhancing readability and maintainability. It outlines various refactoring techniques such as Extract Method, Inline Method, Move Method, and Rename Method, along with their benefits and drawbacks. The conclusion emphasizes the importance of strategic refactoring to improve software quality while managing the associated risks and costs.

Uploaded by

bettyget42
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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ADDIS ABABA SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
DEPARTMENT OF SOFTWARE ENGINEERING

Software Evolution and Maintenance

Project 1: Common Refactoring Methods

Group Member ID
1. Selihom Demeke Ets1159/13
2. Yihun Shikuri Ets1317/13
3. Yodahe Ketema Ets1328/13
4. Yordanos Seyoum Ets1371/13
5. Yordanos Yirgu Ets1374/13
1.Introduction to Refactoring

Refactoring is the process of systematically improving the internal structure of existing code
without changing its external behavior. It enhances code readability, maintainability, and
adaptability, making it easier to modify and extend while reducing the risk of introducing
defects. Over the past 30 years, refactoring has evolved beyond simple code transformations
to encompass architectural, model, and requirement-level improvements. This expansion
reflects the growing complexity of software systems and the need for structured approaches to
ensure long-term software quality.

According to Abid et al., refactoring research has focused on key areas such as determining
optimal refactoring timing, recommending appropriate refactoring techniques, detecting
opportunities for code improvement, and validating refactored code. Despite significant
progress, the field remains fragmented across different domains, making it difficult to
establish a unified framework. Their systematic literature review, which analyzes over 3,000
studies, highlights current trends and gaps in refactoring research, emphasizing the need for
further exploration to enhance automation, scalability, and best practices in software
maintenance.

2. Types of Refactoring and Their Characteristics

Refactoring techniques can be broadly classified into the following categories:

A) Extract Method Refactoring

Definition: Involves breaking down a long method into smaller, more manageable methods to
enhance readability and maintainability.
Characteristics:
 Improves code modularity
 Enhances readability and reusability
 Reduces code duplication

Example: Splitting a method that performs multiple tasks into separate methods that handle
each task individually [2].

B) Inline Method Refactoring

Definition: Replaces a method call with the method’s content when the method is too simple
and does not add clarity.
Characteristics:
 Simplifies code when unnecessary method abstraction exists
 Reduces method call overhead
 Enhances code comprehensibility

Example: Removing an unnecessary function and directly implementing its logic where called
[3].

C) Move Method Refactoring

Definition: Moves a method to a more appropriate class to improve cohesion.


Characteristics:
 Enhances class organization
 Reduces dependencies and coupling
 Improves encapsulation

Example: Shifting a method from a utility class to a domain-specific class where it is more
relevant [4].

D) Rename Method Refactoring

Definition: Changes the name of a method to make it more descriptive.


Characteristics:
 Enhances code readability
 Improves developer understanding
 No impact on code execution

Example: Changing "process()" to "processUserPayment()" for better clarity [5].


E) Pull-up and Push-down Methods

Definition:
Pull-up: Moves a method to a superclass to eliminate redundancy.
Push-down: Moves a method to a subclass when it is only relevant there.

Characteristics:
 Increases code reuse
 Strengthens class hierarchies
 Reduces duplication

Example: Extracting a method common to multiple sub-classes and placing it in a super-class


[6].

3. Comparison and Contrast of Refactoring Techniques

Refactoring Purpose Benefits Drawbacks


Type
Extract Method Breaks down Improves Can create
large methods readability, excessive
reduces method calls
duplication
Inline Method Replaces Reduces Can make code
method calls unnecessary harder to modify
with code abstraction
Move Method Moves a method Increases Requires careful
to a better-suited cohesion, dependency
class reduces coupling handling
Rename Method Changes method Enhances No direct impact
name for clarity understandability on performance

Pull-up/Push- Adjusts method Encourages code Can disrupt


down hierarchy reuse existing class
structures
4. Limitations of Refactoring

While refactoring enhances code quality, it has limitations, such as:

Increased Development Time: Frequent refactoring can delay new feature implementation.

Risk of Introducing Bugs: Without proper testing, refactoring may lead to unintended
functionality changes.

Higher Maintenance Costs: Over-refactoring can lead to unnecessary complexity and


maintenance overhead [7].

5. Best Refactoring Approach

The best refactoring technique depends on the software context. Extract Method is widely
used due to its ability to improve modularity and maintainability, whereas Move Method is
essential for reducing class dependencies. Automated refactoring tools and deep learning-
based techniques are emerging to improve refactoring efficiency and accuracy [8].

6. Conclusion

Refactoring plays a crucial role in software engineering, improving software quality by


enhancing maintainability, readability, and modularity. Choosing the right refactoring
technique depends on project requirements, complexity, and code structure. While refactoring
offers many benefits, it should be performed strategically to avoid unnecessary overhead and
risk.

References

[1] C. Abid, M. Wiem Mkaouer, and M. L. W. Minku, "30 Years of Software


Refactoring Research: A Systematic Literature Review," arxiv.org, 2022. [Online].
Available: https://arxiv.org/abs/2007.02194. [Accessed: Mar. 26, 2025].

[2] Y. Zhao, W. Wu, and Y. Fei, "An Architecture Refactoring Approach to Reducing
Software Hierarchy Complexity," J. Softw. Evol. Process, vol. 35, no. 5, pp. 1-15,
2023.

[3] J. Oliveira, R. Gheyi, and L. Teixeira, "Towards a Better Understanding of the


Mechanics of Refactoring Detection Tools," Inf. Softw. Technol., vol. 151, no. 10, pp.
1-22, 2023.

[4] A. Nandini, R. Singh, and A. Rathee, "Code Smells and Refactoring: A Tertiary
Systematic Literature Review," Int. J. Syst. Eng., vol. 14, no. 1, pp. 45-62, 2024.

[5] P. Naik, S. Nelaballi, and V. Pusuluri, "Deep Learning-Based Code Refactoring:


A Review of Current Knowledge," J. Comput. Inf. Syst., vol. 63, no. 3, pp. 234-250,
2023.
[6] "Supporting Single Responsibility through Automated Extract Method
Refactoring," Empir. Softw. Eng., vol. 28, no. 12, pp. 1-18, 2023.

[7] "Impact of Refactoring on Software Maintainability: A Case Study Using Static


Analysis Tools," J. Softw. Evol. Process, vol. 34, no. 9, pp. 1-20, 2022.

[8] "A Systematic Review of Machine Learning Techniques for Code Refactoring
Recommendation," J. Syst. Softw., vol. 192, no. 4, pp. 1-25, 2022.

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