Code refactoring techniques: 7 tips for cleaner code

Every developer has faced it: a codebase so complex and tangled it feels like navigating a jungle without a map. Over time, even the most well-intentioned projects accumulate “technical debt” in the form of unnecessary complexity, duplicated logic, and confusing structures. This gradual decay not only slows down new feature development but also transforms bug fixing from a simple task into a daunting expedition.

The solution isn’t to burn it all down and start over. A far more strategic approach is the disciplined, continuous process of improvement. This is precisely where code refactoring techniques become essential. Refactoring is the art of restructuring existing computer code, changing its internal design without altering its external behavior. The goal is simple yet powerful: to make your code cleaner, more understandable, and significantly easier to maintain and extend. It’s the software equivalent of sharpening your tools; it makes all future work faster, safer, and more efficient.

By mastering a set of core code refactoring techniques, you can methodically transform brittle, confusing code into a robust, elegant, and scalable asset. This guide provides a comprehensive roundup of 10 fundamental methods that every developer, from individual contributors to CTOs, should have in their arsenal. We will dive deep into each one, offering practical implementation details, clear usage scenarios, and real-world code examples to help you clean up your codebase, reduce technical debt, and ultimately boost your team’s productivity.

1. Extract Method

Extract Method is arguably the most common and fundamental of all code refactoring techniques. The core idea is simple: take a fragment of code from a larger method and move it into its own new, self-contained method. The original location is then updated to call this new method. This seemingly small change is a powerhouse for improving code quality by making complex logic more understandable and manageable.

By breaking down a long, convoluted method into smaller, well-named pieces, you immediately enhance readability. Instead of wading through 50 lines of implementation details, a developer can read a sequence of method calls whose names describe what the code is doing, not just how.

When and Why to Use It

This technique is your go-to solution when a method has grown too long or is handling multiple responsibilities. If you find yourself adding comments to explain a specific block of code, that’s a strong signal it could be extracted into a method with a descriptive name. The primary benefits are improved clarity, reduced complexity, and increased code reuse. A well-extracted method can often be called from multiple places, eliminating duplicate code.

Actionable Tips for Implementation

To apply this refactoring technique effectively, follow these best practices:

• Single Responsibility: Ensure the extracted method does one thing and one thing only. For instance, a block of code that validates user input should be extracted into a method like validateUserInput().
• Descriptive Naming: Choose a name that clearly communicates the method’s purpose and intent. A name like calculateFinalPriceWithTax() is far better than processData().
• Minimize Parameters: A method with many parameters can be a sign that it’s doing too much or is tightly coupled to its original context. Aim for fewer parameters where possible.
• Leverage IDEs: Modern IDEs like Visual Studio, VS Code, and IntelliJ IDEA have built-in refactoring tools that can automate the “Extract Method” process safely, handling variable scope and return values for you.

2. Rename

Among the simplest yet most impactful code refactoring techniques is Rename. This technique involves changing the names of variables, methods, classes, or other identifiers to more clearly and accurately reflect their purpose. A well-chosen name acts as documentation, instantly communicating intent and reducing the cognitive load required to understand a piece of code. It is a foundational practice for creating clean, maintainable, and self-documenting software.

By consistently applying the Rename technique, you transform ambiguous or misleading code into something intuitive. For example, a variable named d offers no clues, but renaming it to elapsedTimeInDays immediately clarifies its role. This simple change eliminates the need for comments and makes the logic easier to follow for anyone who reads it later, including your future self.

When and Why to Use It

You should use the Rename technique whenever you encounter a name that is vague, misleading, or no longer reflects the element’s current responsibility. This often happens as a codebase evolves. A method initially named getData() might now also be filtering and formatting that data, making a new name like getFormattedUserData() much more appropriate. The primary benefits are dramatically improved readability and easier maintenance. Clear names make debugging faster and reduce the likelihood of introducing new bugs due to misunderstandings.

Actionable Tips for Implementation

To get the most out of this powerful technique, apply these best practices:

• Be Specific and Unambiguous: Choose names that precisely describe the element’s role. Renaming a method from calc() to calculateMonthlyPayroll() leaves no room for doubt about its function.
• Use Searchable Names: Avoid single-letter variables or overly common abbreviations. A name like userAccount is much easier to find in a large project than acct or u.
• Embrace Domain-Specific Language: Use terminology that is familiar to the project’s domain experts and your team. A class named UserAuthenticationManager is more meaningful than a generic Manager.
• Leverage IDE Automation: Modern IDEs are essential for this task. Their built-in “Rename” refactoring tools can safely find and update every reference to the identifier across the entire codebase, preventing compilation errors and missed instances.

3. Extract Variable

The Extract Variable technique, sometimes called Introduce Explaining Variable, is a simple yet powerful refactoring method. It involves taking a complex or hard-to-read expression and assigning it to a new local variable with a descriptive name. The original complex expression is then replaced with this new variable, making the code’s intent instantly clearer. This technique is fundamental to improving self-documenting code.

By giving a meaningful name to a calculation or a logical condition, you remove the need for comments and reduce the cognitive load on developers trying to understand the code. A complex conditional statement becomes a simple check against a well-named boolean variable, transforming a puzzle into a clear statement of purpose.

When and Why to Use It

This refactoring technique is your best friend when you encounter an expression that isn’t immediately obvious. If you have to pause and mentally parse a line of code to figure out what it’s doing, that’s a perfect candidate for Extract Variable. The primary benefit is a dramatic improvement in readability and maintainability.

Use it to break down long calculations or complex boolean logic into understandable steps. For example, instead of a single if statement with multiple && and || operators, you can extract each part of the condition into variables like isCustomerActive or hasSufficientCredit. This not only makes the code cleaner but also simplifies debugging, as you can inspect the value of each intermediate variable.

Actionable Tips for Implementation

To get the most out of this code refactoring technique, consider these best practices:

• Explain the ‘Why’: Your variable name should communicate the business logic or intent, not just describe the calculation. For instance, isEligibleForDiscount is more meaningful than priceCalculationResult.
• Isolate Complexity: Use this technique to wrap complex parts of an expression, like a regular expression match or a nested ternary operator, making the surrounding code easier to follow.
• Avoid Performance Pitfalls: Be mindful when using this inside tight loops. While usually negligible, creating new variables in every iteration can sometimes have a performance impact in very high-frequency code.
• Leverage IDE Automation: Like Extract Method, all modern IDEs have a one-click “Extract Variable” or “Introduce Variable” refactoring command. It safely handles scope and assignment, making the process error-free and efficient.

4. Move Method/Class

Move Method and Move Class are powerful code refactoring techniques focused on improving the logical structure of your codebase. The core principle is relocating functionality to where it most naturally belongs. If a method is used more by another class than its own, or a class fits better within a different package, moving it can significantly clarify your application’s architecture and reduce unnecessary dependencies between components.

This refactoring technique helps enforce the principle of high cohesion, where related responsibilities are grouped together. By moving a method or an entire class, you place it closer to the data it operates on or the context where it is primarily used. This results in a cleaner design that is easier for developers to navigate, understand, and maintain over time.

When and Why to Use It

This technique is essential when you notice a class is becoming bloated with methods that serve other parts of the system, or when a class feels out of place in its current package. For example, moving validation logic from a Controller to a Service layer helps establish clearer architectural boundaries. The main benefits are reduced coupling, improved cohesion, and a more intuitive code organization that aligns with established design principles like Domain-Driven Design.

Actionable Tips for Implementation

To apply this refactoring technique safely and effectively, follow these best practices:

• Identify the Natural Home: Before moving anything, analyze which class or package is the most logical and appropriate home. The best location is often the one that uses the feature most frequently.
• Check All Usages: Thoroughly investigate all calls to the method or instantiations of the class you plan to move. Understanding its dependencies is critical to avoid breaking functionality elsewhere in the system.
• Establish Clear Boundaries: Use Move Method/Class refactoring to create and enforce architectural layers or domain boundaries. For instance, relocate a helper method from a generic Utils file to the specific class that is its primary consumer.
• Test Rigorously: After completing the move, run your full suite of unit and integration tests. This step is crucial to confirm that the behavior of the application remains unchanged and no regressions have been introduced.

5. Extract Class

The Extract Class refactoring technique is a crucial strategy for tackling large, unwieldy classes that are doing too much. The core principle involves identifying a cohesive group of fields and methods within a single class and moving them into a new, dedicated class. This approach directly combats the “God Object” anti-pattern, where one class knows and does everything, leading to a system that is difficult to maintain, test, and understand.

By decomposing a large class, you create smaller, more focused components that adhere to the Single Responsibility Principle. For example, instead of a User class managing profile details, address information, and payment logic, you could extract the address-related fields and behaviors into a separate Address class. The original User class would then simply hold a reference to an Address object, simplifying its own responsibilities.

When and Why to Use It

You should apply Extract Class when you notice a class has grown too large and its responsibilities have become muddled. A clear sign is when a subset of its instance variables and methods seems to operate as a distinct unit. Using this technique improves modularity and clarity, making the codebase easier to navigate. It also enhances reusability, as the newly extracted class can potentially be used elsewhere in the application. Tackling God Objects with this method is a key step in reducing long-term technical debt.

Actionable Tips for Implementation

To properly implement the Extract Class technique, consider these best practices:

• Identify Cohesive Groups: Look for groups of fields that are frequently used together or methods that primarily operate on the same subset of data. For instance, street, city, and zipCode fields belong together.
• Ensure Single Responsibility: The new class must have a clear and singular purpose. If you extract payment logic from an Order class, the new PaymentProcessor class should only handle payments.
• Establish a Clear Link: The original class needs a way to access the new one. Decide whether it should own an instance of the new class or just have a reference to it.
• Test Thoroughly: After moving the fields and methods, run your test suite to confirm that the overall behavior of the system remains unchanged. This is one of the most critical code refactoring techniques where comprehensive testing is non-negotiable.

6. Consolidate Duplicate Code

Consolidate Duplicate Code is a crucial refactoring technique centered on the DRY (Don’t Repeat Yourself) principle. It involves identifying identical or very similar blocks of code that appear in multiple places and unifying them into a single, reusable component, such as a method or a class. This process is fundamental to creating a maintainable and robust codebase, as it ensures that a single piece of logic lives in only one place.

By eliminating redundancy, you not only make the code shorter and cleaner but also significantly reduce the risk of introducing bugs. When a change or a bug fix is required, you only need to update the logic in one location instead of hunting down every duplicate instance. This practice streamlines maintenance and ensures consistency across the entire application.

When and Why to Use It

This technique should be applied whenever you notice the same lines of code repeating across your project. Duplicated code is a prominent code smell that complicates maintenance and increases the chances of error. For example, if two different classes contain the exact same validation logic for user input, it’s a perfect candidate for consolidation. The primary benefits are a drastic reduction in maintenance overhead, improved code clarity by abstracting common logic, and a smaller, more efficient codebase. Consolidating duplicate code makes your system easier to understand and evolve.

Actionable Tips for Implementation

To effectively apply this powerful code refactoring technique, consider these best practices:

• Use Analysis Tools: Leverage static analysis tools or IDE features (like SonarLint or built-in duplication detectors) to automatically find repeated code blocks across your codebase.
• Avoid False Positives: Be cautious not to consolidate code that only looks similar by coincidence but represents different business concepts. The consolidation should be based on shared responsibility, not just appearance.
• Extract to a Utility Class: If the duplicated logic is generic and does not belong to a specific domain class (e.g., string manipulation or date formatting), extract it into a shared utility or helper class.
• Consider Design Patterns: For algorithms that share a similar structure but differ in specific steps, the Template Method pattern is an excellent solution for consolidating the common parts while allowing for variations.
• Measure Duplication: Regularly use code quality metrics to track the percentage of duplicated code. Aim to keep this number low as part of your team’s standard development practices.

7. Replace Magic Numbers with Named Constants

“Replace Magic Numbers with Named Constants” is a simple yet powerful refactoring technique aimed at improving code clarity and maintainability. The core idea is to find hard-coded, unexplained values (the “magic numbers”) scattered throughout the codebase and replace them with constants that have descriptive, self-documenting names. This small change transforms obscure code into something far more understandable at a glance.

Instead of a developer having to guess the meaning of a number like 18 or a string like "error_type_invalid_user", they see a well-named constant like MIN_VOTING_AGE or ERROR_INVALID_USER. This makes the code’s intent immediately obvious and significantly reduces the risk of introducing bugs when values need to be updated, as the change only needs to be made in one central place.

When and Why to Use It

This technique is essential whenever you see a raw number, string, or other literal value used directly in your logic without explanation. It’s especially critical for values that represent business rules, configuration settings, or system limits. Using this refactoring technique enhances readability, simplifies maintenance, and prevents inconsistencies. Imagine a tax rate of 0.15 used in ten different places; if that rate changes, you would have to find and update all ten instances, a process prone to error. A single constant, TAX_RATE, solves this problem elegantly.

Actionable Tips for Implementation

To apply this refactoring technique effectively, follow these best practices:

• Use Naming Conventions: By convention, constants are often named using UPPER_SNAKE_CASE (e.g., MAX_RETRY_ATTEMPTS). This makes them easy to identify in the code.
• Centralize and Group Constants: Place related constants together in an appropriate class, an enum, or a dedicated configuration file. This organization makes them easier to find and manage.
• Apply to More Than Just Numbers: This technique isn’t limited to numbers. Hard-coded strings, such as error messages or status codes, are also “magic” and benefit from being extracted into named constants.
• Leverage Static Analysis: Tools for static code analysis can automatically flag magic numbers in your codebase, helping you identify opportunities for refactoring. For more details on this, explore what is static code analysis and how it can improve your workflow.

8. Simplify Complex Conditionals

One of the quickest ways for code to become unreadable is through complex conditional logic. The “Simplify Complex Conditionals” technique involves a set of strategies to break down convoluted if-else blocks, nested ternaries, and long boolean expressions into more manageable and understandable pieces. The goal is to make the intent of each condition crystal clear, reducing the cognitive load required to understand the code’s flow.

Instead of a single monstrous conditional like if ((a && b) || (c && !d) || (e && f && g)), this refactoring technique encourages you to decompose it. You might extract parts of the condition into well-named methods, making the logic self-documenting. For example, if (isEligibleForDiscount() || isPremiumMember()) is vastly more readable than the raw boolean logic it represents.

When and Why to Use It

You should apply this technique whenever you encounter a conditional statement that is hard to read at a glance. This includes deeply nested if statements, long chains of && and || operators, or logic that requires comments to explain. The primary benefits are dramatically improved readability and easier maintenance. When conditions are simple, they are easier to test, debug, and modify without introducing new bugs. It’s a key step in transforming tangled logic into clean, professional code.

Actionable Tips for Implementation

To effectively simplify conditionals, consider these powerful code refactoring techniques:

• Extract to Method: Isolate a complex condition into a new boolean method with a descriptive name. For example, if (user.age > 18 && user.isPremium && !user.isBlocked) becomes if (isUserEligibleForFeature(user)).
• Use Guard Clauses: Instead of nesting the main logic inside an if block, handle edge cases and invalid conditions at the very top of the method and exit early. For instance, if (!isValid) return; keeps the primary execution path flat and easy to follow.
• Consolidate Related Conditions: If you have multiple conditional checks that lead to the same result, combine them into a single, more comprehensive condition to reduce duplication.
• Consider Polymorphism: For complex, type-based switch statements or if-else if chains, replacing the conditional with a polymorphic design (like the Strategy or State pattern) can eliminate the conditional logic entirely.

9. Replace Inheritance with Delegation (Composition)

Replace Inheritance with Delegation is a powerful code refactoring technique that helps fix design problems arising from the misuse of class inheritance. The core idea is to transform a rigid inheritance relationship (an “is-a” relationship) into a more flexible composition-based design (a “has-a” relationship). Instead of a class inheriting behavior from a superclass, it holds an instance of another class and delegates specific tasks to it. This approach strongly aligns with the widely respected “composition over inheritance” principle.

This technique is a game-changer for untangling complex, multi-level inheritance hierarchies that are difficult to maintain and extend. By favoring composition, you create loosely coupled components that are easier to test, modify, and reuse independently, leading to a more robust and adaptable system architecture.

When and Why to Use It

This refactoring is essential when you discover that an inheritance hierarchy no longer makes sense or violates key object-oriented principles. A classic sign is when a subclass only needs a fraction of the superclass’s functionality or when it overrides most of the inherited methods in ways that break the superclass’s contract. Using this technique prevents the “fragile base class” problem, where changes in the superclass can unexpectedly break its subclasses. It promotes flexibility, as behavior can be changed at runtime by swapping out the delegated object.

Actionable Tips for Implementation

To successfully replace inheritance with delegation, consider these best practices:

• Check for LSP Violations: If your subclass cannot be used wherever its superclass is expected (violating the Liskov Substitution Principle), it’s a prime candidate for this refactoring.
• Use Interfaces: For polymorphic behavior, have the main class implement an interface. This allows you to delegate the implementation details while still honoring a shared contract.
• Expose Only What’s Necessary: The containing class should create simple delegating methods that call the contained object. This hides the internal details and maintains a clean public API, preventing unnecessary exposure of the delegate’s methods.
• Start Small: Begin by creating an instance of the original superclass as a private field in the subclass. Then, one by one, change the inherited method calls to delegate to this new field, removing the extends keyword once all dependencies are gone.

10. Extract Interface

Extract Interface is a powerful design-level refactoring technique that promotes loose coupling and abstraction. It involves creating a new interface from the public methods of an existing concrete class. Other classes can then depend on this new interface rather than the specific implementation, which decouples components and makes the system more flexible and modular. This is a cornerstone of dependency inversion, the “D” in the SOLID principles.

By defining a clear contract (the interface), you allow for multiple, interchangeable implementations of that contract. For example, a UserRepository class might be used in production, but for testing, you could create a MockUserRepository that implements the same IUserRepository interface. This allows you to swap dependencies easily without changing the client code that uses them. This practice is fundamental to building testable and maintainable software.

When and Why to Use It

This technique is essential when you have multiple classes that share a common set of behaviors or when you want to break a hard dependency between a client and a service. Use Extract Interface if you anticipate needing different implementations in the future, such as supporting a new database or a different payment provider. It is also crucial for unit testing, as it allows you to create mock objects for dependencies, isolating the code under test. The primary benefits are increased flexibility, improved testability, and adherence to SOLID design principles.

Actionable Tips for Implementation

To apply this refactoring technique effectively, follow these best practices:

• Focus on the Contract: The interface should define what a class can do, not how it does it. Only include the public methods that clients need to interact with.
• Descriptive Naming: Name interfaces to reflect their purpose. A common convention is to use an “I” prefix, like IUserRepository or ILogger, or to use nouns or adjectives that describe the capability, such as Serializable.
• Keep Interfaces Small: Adhere to the Interface Segregation Principle. Create small, cohesive interfaces rather than one large, all-encompassing one. For example, an INotificationService is better than a generic ICommunicationService that also includes unrelated methods.
• Use for Dependencies: When a class depends on another, it should depend on its interface, not its concrete implementation. This is key to enabling Dependency Injection and achieving loose coupling.

Comparison of 10 Code Refactoring Techniques

Refactoring	🔄 Complexity	⚡ Resources / Effort	📊 Expected outcomes (⭐)	Ideal use cases	💡 Key advantages / tips
Extract Method	Medium 🔄🔄	Moderate ⚡⚡	Better readability, reuse, testability 📊 ⭐⭐⭐	Long methods, reusable logic blocks	Keep single responsibility, use descriptive names
Rename	Low 🔄	Low ⚡	Improved clarity, fewer misunderstandings 📊 ⭐⭐	Misleading identifiers, cleanup for readability	Use IDE rename, consider public API implications
Extract Variable	Low 🔄	Low ⚡	Clearer expressions, easier debugging 📊 ⭐⭐	Complex expressions or repeated calculations	Name to express intent, avoid in hot loops
Move Method / Class	High 🔄🔄🔄	Moderate–High ⚡⚡⚡	Improved cohesion, reduced coupling 📊 ⭐⭐⭐	Responsibilities in wrong classes, package restructuring	Check usages, run tests, consider wrapper methods
Extract Class	High 🔄🔄🔄	High ⚡⚡⚡	Smaller classes, better SRP and testability 📊 ⭐⭐⭐	God objects, very large classes	Group cohesive fields/methods, validate state handling
Consolidate Duplicate Code	Medium 🔄🔄	Moderate ⚡⚡	Reduced maintenance, fewer duplicated bugs 📊 ⭐⭐⭐	Similar logic across modules or services	Use analysis tools, avoid over‑parameterization
Replace Magic Numbers with Named Constants	Low 🔄	Low ⚡	Explicit business rules, easier updates 📊 ⭐⭐	Hard‑coded literals and repeated values	Use clear UPPER_SNAKE_CASE, consider enums
Simplify Complex Conditionals	Medium 🔄🔄	Moderate ⚡⚡	Clearer decision flow, easier testing 📊 ⭐⭐⭐	Deep nesting, long boolean expressions	Use guard clauses, extract named predicates
Replace Inheritance with Delegation (Composition)	High 🔄🔄🔄	High ⚡⚡⚡	Increased flexibility, lower coupling 📊 ⭐⭐⭐	Fragile hierarchies or reuse via inheritance	Prefer composition when LSP is violated; provide delegators
Extract Interface	Medium 🔄🔄	Moderate ⚡⚡	Better abstraction, DI and mockability 📊 ⭐⭐⭐	Multiple implementations, testing/DI needs	Keep interfaces focused; follow Interface Segregation Principle

Putting It All Together: A Culture of Continuous Improvement

We’ve journeyed through a comprehensive suite of code refactoring techniques, from foundational moves like Extract Method and Rename to more structural shifts like Replace Inheritance with Delegation. Each technique is a powerful tool in your developer toolkit, designed not just to fix problems but to proactively improve the health and longevity of your codebase. The core principle weaving through all these methods is simple: leave the code better than you found it.

Mastering these concepts is about more than just technical skill; it’s about adopting a mindset of continuous improvement and professional craftsmanship. Clean code isn’t a final destination you arrive at, but rather an ongoing practice of care and attention. It’s the difference between a codebase that decays under the weight of new features and one that becomes stronger and more resilient over time.

From Techniques to Habits

The most effective way to integrate these practices is to make them a natural part of your daily workflow. Don’t wait for a designated “refactoring sprint.” Instead, look for small opportunities every day.

• During Code Reviews: When you spot a code smell like a long method or a confusing variable name, don’t just point it out. Suggest a specific refactoring technique. This turns reviews into collaborative learning sessions.
• Before Adding a Feature: Take a moment to clean up the area of the code you’re about to change. This is the “Boy Scout Rule” in action, and it makes implementing the new functionality smoother and safer.
• When Fixing a Bug: A bug is often a symptom of a deeper design issue. Once you’ve identified the fix, ask yourself if a refactoring could prevent similar bugs from appearing in the future.

By consistently applying these principles in small, incremental steps, you and your team can systematically reduce technical debt. The result is a codebase that is easier to understand, safer to modify, and faster to build upon. This isn’t just a technical win; it’s a business advantage that translates to higher velocity and more reliable software.

The Power of Incremental Change

Remember, the best refactoring is done in small, controlled movements, always supported by a robust suite of tests. Each technique we’ve discussed, from Extract Class to Simplify Complex Conditionals, is designed to be applied without changing the observable behavior of the software. This discipline is what makes refactoring a safe and sustainable engineering practice.

As you become more fluent with these code refactoring techniques, they will become second nature. You’ll start to see the code not just for what it does, but for what it could be: clearer, simpler, and more expressive. This vision, shared across a team, is the foundation of a true culture of quality. So start small, be consistent, and watch as your codebase, your team’s productivity, and your own satisfaction as a developer transform for the better.

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Ready to turn these principles into measurable improvements for your team? Zest integrates with your workflow to provide automatic insights into your refactoring efforts, helping you identify opportunities and track the impact on code quality and productivity. See how your team’s daily activity can drive a culture of continuous improvement at Zest.

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Master Your Refactoring Workflow

Turn technical debt into a strategic advantage by consistently applying these foundational code refactoring techniques.

📊 Core Metrics

1. Code Complexity Score — Reduction in cyclomatic complexity after refactoring.
2. Code Duplication — Percentage of duplicated lines eliminated.
3. Maintainability Index — Improvement in overall code health score.

🕹️ My Cheatcodes

• 🌱 Small Steps, Big Impact — Apply one refactoring at a time and run tests.
• 🦎 Name It Right — A clear name for a method, variable, or class is the cheapest and most effective refactor.
• ⚡ Automate with IDEs — Leverage built-in refactoring tools to perform complex changes safely and quickly.

📈 Reflection Points

• 💡 Is my code easier to understand now than before I started?
• 🧩 Did I break any existing functionality? (Have I run my tests?)
• 📘 Could another developer easily grasp the purpose of this change?

✅ Before Merging a Refactor

• 🔍 Verify all unit and integration tests are passing.
• 📊 Confirm the change is purely structural with no behavioral difference.
• 🧭 Ensure the commit message clearly states 'Refactor' and explains the 'why'.
• 📈 Check for any new code smells introduced by the changes.