Impact of Refactoring on OO Metrics: A Study on the Extract Class, Extract Superclass, Encapsulate Field and Pull up Method

Alazzam, Iyad; Abuata, Belal; Mhediat, Ghada

doi:10.18178/ijmlc.2020.10.1.913

Cited by 2 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 18 publications

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“…The studies demonstrate that varying refactoring techniques can lead to significantly different effects on software quality attributes, sometimes resulting in opposing or conflicting outcomes [ 11 , 12 , 21 , 22 ]. Besides, the sequencing of applying refactoring techniques can also yield different effects on quality attributes [ 20 ]. Consequently, determining the specific effects of each refactoring technique and their respective influence on quality presents significant obstacles [ 8 , 9 ].…”

Section: Related Workmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The varied outcomes underscore the intricate nature of the correlation between refactoring techniques and software quality [ 11 , 12 ]. Furthermore, the sequencing of applying refactoring techniques can also yield different effects on quality attributes, complicating the understanding even further [ 20 ]. Such inconsistencies present a significant challenge for developers [ 8 , 9 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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A refactoring categorization model for software quality improvement

Almogahed,

Mahdin,

Omar

et al. 2023

PLoS ONE

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Refactoring, a widely adopted technique, has proven effective in facilitating and reducing maintenance activities and costs. Nonetheless, the effects of applying refactoring techniques on software quality exhibit inconsistencies and contradictions, leading to conflicting evidence on their overall benefit. Consequently, software developers face challenges in leveraging these techniques to improve software quality. Moreover, the absence of a categorization model hampers developers’ ability to decide the most suitable refactoring techniques for improving software quality, considering specific design goals. Thus, this study aims to propose a novel refactoring categorization model that categorizes techniques based on their measurable impacts on internal quality attributes. Initially, the most common refactoring techniques used by software practitioners were identified. Subsequently, an experimental study was conducted using five case studies to measure the impacts of refactoring techniques on internal quality attributes. A subsequent multi-case analysis was conducted to analyze these effects across the case studies. The proposed model was developed based on the experimental study results and the subsequent multi-case analysis. The model categorizes refactoring techniques into green, yellow, and red categories. The proposed model, by acting as a guideline, assists developers in understanding the effects of each refactoring technique on quality attributes, allowing them to select appropriate techniques to improve specific quality attributes. Compared to existing studies, the proposed model emerges superior by offering a more granular categorization (green, yellow, and red categories), and its range is wide (including ten refactoring techniques and eleven internal quality attributes). Such granularity not only equips developers with an in-depth understanding of each technique’s impact but also fosters informed decision-making. In addition, the proposed model outperforms current studies and offers a more nuanced understanding, explicitly highlighting areas of strength and concern for each refactoring technique. This enhancement aids developers in better grasping the implications of each refactoring technique on quality attributes. As a result, the model simplifies the decision-making process for developers, saving time and effort that would otherwise be spent weighing the benefits and drawbacks of various refactoring techniques. Furthermore, it has the potential to help reduce maintenance activities and associated costs.

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Section: Related Workmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A refactoring categorization model for software quality improvement

Almogahed,

Mahdin,

Omar

et al. 2023

PLoS ONE

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Research findings indicate that the effects of different refactoring techniques on software quality attributes can vary significantly. In some cases, these effects may even be contradictory or opposing to one another [13], [30], [31], [32], [33]. Moreover, the particular sequence in which refactoring techniques are carried out can have different impacts on quality attributes [8], [33].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In some cases, these effects may even be contradictory or opposing to one another [13], [30], [31], [32], [33]. Moreover, the particular sequence in which refactoring techniques are carried out can have different impacts on quality attributes [8], [33]. Consequently, it becomes challenging to differentiate the individual impacts of each refactoring technique or draw definitive conclusions about their impact on quality [13], [34].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Refactoring Classification Framework for Efficient Software Maintenance

et al. 2023

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The expenses associated with software maintenance and evolution constitute a significant portion, surpassing more than 80% of the overall costs involved in software development. Refactoring, a widely embraced technique, plays a crucial role in streamlining and minimizing maintenance activities and expenses. However, the effect of refactoring techniques on quality attributes presents inconsistent and conflicting findings, making it challenging for software developers to enhance software quality effectively. Additionally, the absence of a comprehensive framework further complicates the decision-making process for developers when selecting appropriate refactoring techniques aligned with specific design objectives. In light of these considerations, this research aims to introduce a novel framework for classifying refactoring techniques based on their measurable influence on internal quality attributes. Initially, an exploratory study was conducted to identify commonly employed refactoring techniques, followed by an experimental analysis involving five case studies to evaluate the effects of these techniques on internal quality attributes. Subsequently, the framework was constructed based on the outcomes of the exploratory and experimental studies, further reinforced by a multi-case analysis. Comprising three key components, namely the methodology for applying refactoring techniques, the Quality Model for Object-Oriented Design (QMOOD), and the classification scheme for refactoring techniques, this proposed framework serves as a valuable guideline for developers. By comprehending the effect of each refactoring technique on internal quality attributes, developers can make informed decisions and select suitable techniques to enhance specific aspects of their software. Consequently, this framework optimizes developers' time and effort by minimizing the need to weigh the pros and cons of different refactoring techniques, potentially leading to a reduction in maintenance activities and associated costs.

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Impact of Refactoring on OO Metrics: A Study on the Extract Class, Extract Superclass, Encapsulate Field and Pull up Method

Cited by 2 publications

References 18 publications

A refactoring categorization model for software quality improvement

A refactoring categorization model for software quality improvement

A Refactoring Classification Framework for Efficient Software Maintenance

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