refactoring

Refactoring identifies code smells like duplicate code, long methods, and large classes by analyzing internal structure. Detecting these common issues is the first step to systematically improving code quality and reducing technical debt while preserving external behavior.

The best way to improve code structure without changing behavior is applying refactoring techniques like Extract Method, Extract Class, and Introduce Parameter Object. These methods enhance internal code quality iteratively through small, verifiable steps.

Automated testing verifies iterative refactoring changes by running tests after each small modification step. This ensures external behavior remains preserved throughout the process, which is crucial for maintaining code quality during TDD cycles.

Refactoring is needed in a TDD cycle after writing new code and ensuring it passes tests (GREEN state). Use refactoring to clean up the code, making it more readable and maintainable by extracting complex blocks into their own methods.

Yes, you can reduce technical debt by extracting complex code blocks into separate methods. This refactoring technique, known as Extract Method, improves code readability and maintainability while keeping external behavior unchanged.