Code Duplication
Code duplication, also known as copy-paste programming, refers to the practice of writing the same or very similar code in multiple places within a software project. It is generally considered an anti-pattern in software development because it increases maintenance costs, introduces bugs, and reduces code readability. Detecting and eliminating duplication is a key principle in clean code practices and refactoring.
Developers should learn about code duplication to improve software quality and maintainability, as it helps identify opportunities for abstraction, modularization, and reuse. It is critical in scenarios like large-scale projects, team collaborations, and long-term maintenance to reduce errors and streamline updates. Understanding this concept is essential for applying refactoring techniques, such as extracting methods or using design patterns, to create more efficient and robust codebases.