Refactoring: Improving the Design of Existing Code (Addison-Wesley Signature Series (Fowler))

by Martin Fowler

Names are important, and field names in record structures can be especially important when those record structures are widely used across a program. Data structures play a particularly important role in understanding. Many years ago Fred Brooks said, “Show me your flowcharts and conceal your tables, and I shall continue to be mystified. Show me your tables, and I won’t usually need your flowcharts; they’ll be obvious.” While I don’t see many people drawing flowcharts these days, the adage remains valid. Data structures are the key to understanding what’s going on. Since these data structures are so important, it’s essential to keep them clear. Like anything else, my understanding of data improves the more I work on the software, so it’s vital that this improved understanding is embedded into the program.