Working Effectively with Legacy Code

by Michael C. Feathers

refactoring (n.). A change made to the internal structure of software to make it easier to understand and cheaper to modify without changing its existing behavior.

It Happens Someplace Every Day You boss comes in. He says, “Clients are clamoring for this feature. Can we get it done today?” “I don’t know.” You look around. Are there tests in place? No. You ask, “How bad do you need it?” You know that you can make the changes inline in all 10 places where you need to change things, and it will be done by 5:00. This is an emergency right? We’re going to fix this tomorrow, aren’t we? Remember, code is your house, and you have to live in it.