Refactoring Safely
Refactoring is a powerful technique for improving code quality. Like all powerful tools, refactoring can cause more harm than good if misused. A few simple guidelines can prevent refactoring missteps.
Opening up a working system is more like opening up a human brain and replacing a nerve than opening up a sink and replacing a washer. Would maintenance be easier if it was called "Software Brain Surgery?"
Save the code you start with. Before you begin refactoring, make sure you can get back to the code you started with. Save a version in your revision control system, or copy the correct files to a backup directory.
Keep refactorings small. Some refactorings are larger than others, and exactly what constitutes "one ...
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