What Is Refactoring In SAFe®?

 

Refactoring is a process of changing a software system’s structure with respect to its external semantics while preserving its functionality. When we think about what refactoring it is, there are three main objectives: to improve code quality, to improve code readability, and to maintain or improve the system over time as requirements change.

In the agile environment where the requirements often change, refactoring is important as they help in adding new features quickly without breaking the existing features.

This article will explore all about refactoring in SAFe®.

Definition - Refactoring

Refactoring is a process of taking a code and changing its structure without changing its behaviour. It helps the code to be well-designed, extendible, and maintainable.

Refactoring in programming consists of two steps: improving the design and then ensuring that the system still behaves in the same way as before. To make this process more efficient, there are automated tools that can help us with it.

Refactoring In SAFe®

Refactors can accomplish things such as increasing processing speed, obtaining other internal data or correcting security vulnerabilities. Another refactoring type is to simplify certain aspects of a code to make it more efficient, readable, or maintainable.

Diagram

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Figure 1: Refactoring In Isolated Environment For Change In Large Entity

(Source: Scaled Agile Inc.)

During the refactoring, every change must be tested immediately to make sure that the desired goal is achieved. The refractor can be divided into a series of successive micro refactors to achieve a larger purpose; Each small refactor needs to be checked for correctness. This iterative process maintains the integrity of the software at every stage.

SAFe® underlines the significance of visibility of all work, including refactoring. Like user-centered work, it needs to be planned, assessed, and prioritized at all solution levels.

How Does Refactoring Arise?

 

Diagram

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Figure 2: Refactoring Sources (Source: Scaled Agile Inc.)

 

The refactors may be initiated by a business function or it may be part of a larger refactoring initiative needed by the entity the new architecture enabler. New user stories may also require a code change. Due to the accumulated technical debt, the team may restructure some components. New non-functional requirements (NFR) may need to be redesigned.

Not all refactoring efforts are based on the story. The Test-Driven Development (TDD) process encourages continual redesign as code changes. Developers constantly update their projects to better suit current and future needs. Such work should be considered when assessing the story. However, some refactoring elements are larger parts of the refactor that need to be planned and monitored as separate delay elements.

How Refactoring Demonstrate By The Team?

Refactoring focuses on internal work, the team should demonstrate the following:

1.      Reduced processing times across multiple websites compared to the previous standard.

2.      Processing time depends on the batch size that can be configured from the file.

3.      Code snippet for asynchronous processing

4.      Debug log file that records all operations

5.      Number of dictionary queries per batch (from the ‘log’ file)

 

Conclusion

Refactoring is one of the key techniques in agile development because it allows developers to adjust the design as they implement it. It also prevents an accumulation of bad designs that pile up into a large mess over time. This presents an opportunity for project managers to tailor the development process according to their needs, rather than following a set template blindly.

If you're looking for a way to advance your career level with SAFe®, then, yes, you need the SAFe® certification. Or if you're just looking for somebody to help with your company's business transformation, then get trained by SAFe® instructors by enrolling in SAFe® training. For more details, visit here!

 

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