CODE REFACTORING

In the glorious world of applications and software development relative to the DEVELOPMENT LIFE CYCLE, most software is only as good as it's ability to keep up with the times, or in other words, it's expansion and evolutionary processes of improved functioning.

And if you're wondering how best to accomplish such an aim... OMNITEKK believes applying CODE REFACTORING principles is the sure way to go.

A development project's ability to be transformed into a higher efficiency or expandable solution is the quintessential pearl of code reusability, as use cases and user requirements take shape in the evolutionary design process.

Likewise, in improving our application project's efficiency and expansion capabilities, whether it be in aim of user interface improvements, connectivity enhancements, or simply a measure of ease of use or some other task of increased efficiency, we could never go wrong in applying those tried and true principles adopted by all the greats, in the world of software design, who have standardized the processes of code improvements.

So here's a few pointers on best practices for improving your development projects.

APPLY USE CASE SCENERIOS

It's always a good idea to create use case scenerios which signify your projects usage goals for both end user and designer or administrator data input and extraction tasks.

Employing use cases as your project requirements change, allows for concise application of your design objectives to commence in expansion of your projects, to seamlessly integrate with those modules that might already be there.

USE MODULAR CONSTRUCTION

Code should always be constructed in modular fashion, such that all major functionality, is provisioned in such a way that refactoring or code improvement efforts serve easier to engage in and manage, by breaking down your project scope into its lesser chunks of functionality.

This is especially pertinent if a specific task or function is used more than a few times.

DOCUMENTATION IS YOUR FRIEND

All code segments should be well documented, especially If you've written fairly large projects or if it'll be months long intermissions between commencing your workload, as picking up where you left off can be a challenge. 

Chances are you won't even recognize most of what you've written, much less every nook and cranny relative to it's functionality, if you've neglected to work on your projects for months at a time.

So it's always a good idea to document code and keep concisely defined project attributes relative to code functionality...such as variable names and uses, any special definitions as well as any and all module functionality or methods use or purpose.

OMNITEKK recommends you do get used to documenting and the art of documenting well.

MAINTAIN REVISION HISTORY

We've all dealt with the delightful bug hunting journey in delving into our most pressing software projects, haven't we...

As such, it is critical that we can seamlessly revert any upgrades or project changes commenced, in the event that something goes awry. So be sure subversion ALL revisions. 

Have a look at our article on SUBVERSIONING APPLICATIONS which can be found here.

THINK SIMPLICITY

When it comes to code reuse and refactoring or enhancements, less complexity in design might prove best.

Simplicity in design ensures that your projects aren't overly complicated. This is especially critical if the application or project is a group effort.

As we learn to design elegant, yet simple application solutions, it allows the refactoring process to commence with ease and efficacy.

And after all, who doesn't just love development projects that are simple in understanding and programming style, even if complex in functionality...

And that's it folks, OMNITEKK'S sure fire way to effectively apply code refactoring principles to your projects, both small and large alike.

So until our next IT adventure my friends, OMNITEKK says Be well.