Java Refactoring
TLDR: Java Refactoring is the process of restructuring Java code to improve its readability, maintainability, and performance without altering its external behavior. This practice, rooted in principles introduced by Martin Fowler in his 1999 book on refactoring, helps developers reduce technical debt and adapt their Java classes and methods to evolving requirements. Common techniques include renaming methods, extracting Java functions, and reorganizing Java objects to adhere to object-oriented programming best practices.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Code_refactoring
Tools like the Eclipse IDE, IntelliJ IDEA, and NetBeans automate Java refactoring processes, providing features such as automated method extraction, inline method adjustments, and field renaming. These tools help developers maintain consistency across their Java projects while minimizing errors. For example, automated refactoring ensures that changing a Java class name is reflected in all references across the project, preventing broken references or runtime errors. Integration with version control systems like Git also ensures that changes can be tracked and reverted if necessary.
https://www.jetbrains.com/help/idea/refactoring-source-code.html
In addition to improving code quality, Java refactoring plays a significant role in enabling legacy Java applications to integrate with modern frameworks and libraries. Techniques such as converting Java anonymous classes to Java Lambda Expressions or updating old Java Generics improve code compatibility with newer Java SE versions. By systematically applying Java refactoring, developers create a more modular and scalable codebase, facilitating future enhancements and reducing overall development effort.