About the book
Martin Fowler's guide to improving the design of existing code returns in a second edition updated for changes in programming practice. It explains what refactoring is, why to do it, how to spot code that needs it through so-called bad smells, and how to carry it out in any language. At its center is an updated catalog of refactorings, each given an explanation, motivation, mechanics and simple examples. The new edition includes JavaScript code examples and adds functional examples that show refactoring without classes. Fowler also covers building solid tests for refactorings and the tradeoffs and obstacles involved. Experienced programmers have relied on the original for more than twenty years to make code easier to understand and maintain.
David Heinemeier Hansson called Refactoring one of two programming books he has read several times, the other being Smalltalk Best Practice Patterns, and put the second edition next on his technical reading list.
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This book has 1 recommendation
David Heinemeier Hansson (Co-Founder/Basecamp)
This is next on my list of technical books to read! Refactoring is one of two programming books that I’ve read multiple times (the other is Smalltalk Best Practice Patterns), and I’m due for another reading. What perfect time then to dive into Martin Fowler’s long anticipated 2nd edition, now using JavaScript rather than Java for the code examples.
Like the stoic books, I read Refactoring and that Smalltalk book again and again not because I’m going to learn something new, per se, but because I want to be reminded about what I already know. And what better time to reread than just as we’re kicking off a new major project that needs a fresh architectural foundation.
Also, these two books just remind every time of how much I love the craft of programming. It’s not just having the programs, it’s not just solving problems, it’s simply using my hands and head to program that in and of itself is sublime.
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