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WeAreDevelopers LIVE • Sep 14, 2023

I will have to refactor ! And now ? Refactoring Techniques in Java

Kamila Santos

Drowning in bloated Java legacy code? Stop letting technical debt slow your sprints. Master practical, SOLID-based refactoring techniques to build scalable, maintainable architecture.

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#1 about 3 min

Definition and primary motivations for code refactoring

Refactoring improves software design, simplifies understanding, and accelerates feature development without altering behavior.

#2 about 6 min

Strategic moments to perform code refactoring

Ideal times for refactoring include feature preparation, code comprehension, long-running improvement sprints, and code reviews.

#3 about 2 min

Potential disadvantages and risks of refactoring code

Refactoring can increase feature delivery time, cause complex merge conflicts, and require extensive test rewriting.

#4 about 3 min

Identifying code smells as indicators for refactoring

Code duplication, excessive method lengths, and outdated comments serve as primary signals that code requires improvement.

#5 about 3 min

Refactoring techniques for functions and variables

Extracting methods and variables simplifies complex expressions and groups related logic to avoid code duplication.

#6 about 3 min

Improving data access with encapsulation and parameter objects

Encapsulating public variables and grouping related parameters into objects enhances visibility control and method signatures.

#7 about 3 min

Separating distinct responsibilities using the split phase technique

Dividing complex methods with multiple processing steps into distinct functions improves readability and adheres to single responsibility.

#8 about 3 min

Restructuring responsibilities via class extraction and middleman removal

Creating new classes for specific responsibilities and removing unnecessary delegate layers streamlines object hierarchies and interactions.

#9 about 2 min

Refining method locations and removing unused code

Moving misplaced functions to appropriate classes and deleting dead code maintains relevant responsibilities and a clean codebase.

#10 about 2 min

Transforming primitive values into specific reference objects

Replacing simple value representations with dedicated reference classes allows for encapsulated validations and specialized behaviors.

#11 about 3 min

Decomposing complex conditionals and introducing assertions

Breaking down nested conditional statements and utilizing assertions clarifies decision logic and validates state during development.

#12 about 2 min

Replacing simple constructors with customized factory methods

Using static factory methods instead of basic constructors enables expressive initialization and complex attribute validation before instantiation.

#13 about 4 min

Managing inheritance through method pulling and hierarchy adjustments

Extracting common subclass methods to parent classes and collapsing unnecessary hierarchical layers prevents duplication and over-engineering.

#14 about 3 min

Combining refactoring techniques with best programming practices

Applying various refactoring methods alongside clean code and SOLID principles yields a robust and maintainable software architecture.

#15 about 2 min

Prioritizing refactoring targets in different project contexts

Selecting which code to refactor depends on whether the goal is immediate feature delivery or a dedicated improvement sprint.

#16 about 2 min

Practical benefits of isolating business validations with split phase

Extracting business rules into distinct functions enables logic reuse across the project and simplifies comprehensive method structures.

#17 about 3 min

Parameter simplification using change value to reference patterns

Grouping numerous recurring parameters into a unified reference object improves clarity and reduces method signature duplication across classes.

Matching moments

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Refactoring legacy code bases for better environmental impact

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Applying targeted practices to reduce waste and technical debt

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Utilizing design patterns as refactoring goals and communication tools

Dennis Doomen Dennis Doomen · World Congress 2025

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Understanding structural code refactorings over simple behavioral changes

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September 24, 2026 · 16:10–16:40

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