refactoring-catalog

To refactor a function that is too long, you can apply the 'Extract Function' refactoring technique. This process involves taking segments of a large code block and moving them into a new, separately named function to improve structure and readability.

You need to use refactoring techniques when existing code needs to be cleaned up and design issues emerge. Specifically, applying refactoring is necessary when you encounter code smells like a growing switch statement or a method that is too long to fit on the screen.

You apply a refactoring catalog by selecting a specific behavior-preserving transformation for your code smell. The catalog provides the necessary steps to execute the refactoring, ensuring you improve code design while keeping the tests green throughout the process.

Refactoring code does not change the existing behavior of your software. The catalog focuses on behavior-preserving transformations to ensure that the process of improving code design and readability maintains the original functionality without breaking tests.

You do need to understand refactoring principles before applying these code transformations. The catalog requires an understanding of these principles and the ability to apply them to ensure the behavior-preserving transformations are executed correctly.

The best way to handle a growing switch statement in clean code is to apply targeted refactoring techniques. The catalog offers specific behavior-preserving transformations designed to address this code smell and improve overall software design.