The process of restructuring existing code without changing its external behavior to improve readability, maintainability, or performance. Refactoring involves cleaning up code while preserving functionality.
From 'factor' meaning to break into components, with prefix 're-' meaning again. Coined by Martin Fowler in the 1990s to describe the disciplined technique of improving code structure without altering its behavior.
Refactoring is like renovating your house while you're still living in it - you're making it cleaner, more organized, and easier to maintain, but all the rooms still work the same way! It's the difference between code that works and code that works beautifully.
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