So you've got a plan, you've got tools, and you're ready to refactor.
This is where good intentions often go sideways.
Let's make sure your refactor doesn't turn into a rewrite you'll regret.
✅ Best Practices While Refactoring
1. Keep the System Green at All Times
Never let your tests stay red for too long. Every change should:
- Keep the app working
- Keep the test suite passing
- Leave the code in a better state than before
💡 Broken code for more than a day = trouble ahead.
2. Small, Purposeful Commits
Break your refactor into atomic commits, each one:
- Solves one thing
- Is easy to understand
- Is easy to revert
Bonus: Reviewing or debugging later becomes 10x easier.
3. Do Not Change Behavior Unless You Have To
Refactoring ≠ rewriting features. If the output or behavior changes, you need:
- A reason
- A test
- A migration plan (if applicable)
🔍 The goal is to improve structure, not functionality — unless the behavior was already wrong.
4. Add Tests Before You Touch Untested Code
If you're about to refactor a method with zero tests:
- Write tests first
- Validate existing behavior
- Then refactor
This way, you'll catch regressions instantly — and build trust in your changes.
5. Rename Things Intelligently
A good refactor often involves better naming — but don't get carried away.
Tips:
- Rename only when it adds clarity
- Avoid generic renames like
HelperorManager - Prefer domain language:
DonationProcessor>ServiceHandler
Clear names are half the battle.
6. Make Invisible Progress
The best refactors go unnoticed by the end user.
- No regressions
- No broken flows
- No "wait, why is this acting weird now?"
You can celebrate your refactor, but your product team shouldn't have to know it happened.
7. Document Complex Transitions
Some refactors introduce patterns, abstractions, or architectural shifts.
Leave breadcrumbs for future devs:
- Inline comments (brief and useful)
- Code examples in the README
- GitHub issues or ADRs (Architecture Decision Records)
- Migration guides (for APIs, configs, etc.)
🚨 Common Mistakes That Break Refactors
❌ 1. Refactoring Without Tests
You're walking blind. One wrong move and it's over.
❌ 2. Changing Everything at Once
This often leads to huge PRs that are impossible to review or roll back.
❌ 3. Focusing on Perfection
Perfect is the enemy of done. Refactor to improve, not to create utopia.
❌ 4. Forgetting to Communicate
If the team isn't aligned, your "clean code" might break their work.
❌ 5. Deleting Legacy Code Prematurely
Don't rip out old logic until the new one is 100% verified (and ideally, toggled off safely).
🧘♂️ Optional but Powerful: Use Feature Branches + PR Templates
Structure your PRs to be:
- Reviewable in <15 mins
- Linked to clear goals ("This PR isolates email logic from controller")
- Labeled by type (
refactor,chore,migration)
This avoids misunderstandings and makes your changes traceable.
📌 Summary
Refactoring isn't just about moving code — it's about moving with intention.
Keep these in mind:
- Stay green (tests passing)
- Work in small steps
- Avoid changing behavior unless needed
- Cover everything with tests
- Communicate with the team
- Celebrate clarity, not cleverness
Cover image credit: Mohammad Rahmani, via Unsplash
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