Manual Refactoring
Manual refactoring is the process of restructuring existing code without changing its external behavior to improve its internal structure, readability, and maintainability. It involves making incremental changes such as renaming variables, extracting methods, or simplifying complex logic, typically performed by developers using integrated development environments (IDEs) or text editors. This hands-on approach allows for precise control over code modifications while ensuring functionality remains intact.
Developers should learn manual refactoring to enhance code quality, reduce technical debt, and facilitate easier future modifications, especially in legacy systems or when automated tools are insufficient. It is crucial during code reviews, bug fixes, or when preparing code for new features, as it helps identify and eliminate code smells like duplication or overly complex methods. This skill is essential for maintaining scalable and efficient software projects over time.