Refactor (LoC)
Indicates code that has been updated or rewritten after 21 days, enhancing the internal organization of the code without altering the behavior outside of it. This value is measured in line of code and is adjustable on the Settings page.
How to use it?
- Assess Code Health: By tracking the percentage of code that is refactored, teams can assess the health and sustainability of their codebase. A high rate of refactoring may point to problematic areas that require simplification or indicate an active effort to improve code maintainability.
- Improve Code Quality: Promoting refactoring as a routine practice supports continuous enhancement of code quality. Regular refactoring helps in reducing technical debt and averting complexities in the future, fostering a more robust and reliable software product.
- Align Development Practices: Using Refactor percentages can help standardize coding practices across the team. This metric ensures that all team members are consistently applying best coding practices and contributing to the codebase’s evolution. Monitoring Refactor activity also helps identify knowledge silos where reliance on specific individuals for certain code areas could pose risks to project continuity.
Strategic Use of Refactoring
- Proactive Code Maintenance: Regular refactoring analysis assists in proactive maintenance and updating of the codebase, preventing the accumulation of outdated or problematic code.
- Identify Training Needs: High refactoring rates in specific code sections can highlight the need for additional training or clearer requirements to ensure all contributors have a uniform understanding of project goals.
- Reduce Dependency Risks: Identifying and addressing knowledge silos early on can reduce dependency on individual team members, enhancing team resilience and knowledge sharing.
- Encourage Collaborative Improvement: Foster a culture where team members are encouraged to contribute to ongoing code refinement, emphasizing the importance of collective responsibility for code quality.
Considerations for Implementation
- Complementary Metric: Refactor should be analyzed in combination with other performance metrics to provide a full view of code health and efficiency.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Cultivate a team environment that views Refactor as a tool for improvement rather than criticism.
- Feedback and Adjustment: Continuously refine the approach to measuring and responding to Refactor based on ongoing team feedback and evolving project requirements.
Updated 3 months ago