Instead, we find that much code is verbose, overly complicated, unnecessary or just plain confused. Sometimes it starts out that way, but often it becomes that way through the accumulation of small changes or misunderstandings. Concern for code hygiene is not just an idle matter of aesthetics: it is a question of development sustainability. Accidental complexity in code can become a major source of friction, scaring away deadlines, programmers and finance alike.
It's time to put the "soft" back into "software" and understand the importance and practice of refactoring in the day-to-day rhythm of programming.
Kevlin Henney is an independent consultant and trainer based in the
UK. The focus of his work is in programming languages and techniques,
patterns and design, object orientation and software architecture, and
test-driven development and agile development process. He has been a
columnist for various publications, including Application Development
Advisor, C++ Report and C/C++ Users Journal online. He is currently on
the advisory board of The C++ Source and is a member of the UK panel
for C++ standardisation. He is a popular speaker at conferences in
North America and Europe.
