code-architecture-wrong-abstraction

Apply the rule-of-three to abstract duplicated code only after three or more occurrences appear and pattern stability is confirmed. This prevents premature abstractions that clutter codebases and create maintenance headaches.

The rule of three for code refactoring means waiting until identical logic appears in at least three separate locations before extracting a shared abstraction. This validates pattern stability and prevents wrong generalizations across modules.

The best way to refactor duplicated logic across multiple files is to verify three similar code blocks share stable, identical behavior, then safely extract the abstraction using clear inline-to-extract guidance to prevent over-generalization.

Following DRY principles causes maintenance headaches when it forces premature abstractions before patterns stabilize. Wrong generalizations couple unrelated modules, making future changes significantly harder than allowing controlled duplication.

You should not use abstraction in your codebase when similar code appears fewer than three times or when the pattern's requirements are still changing. Postponing abstraction avoids over-generalization and reduces confusing rework.