Five Lines of Code: How and when to refactor

Five Lines of Code is a book that teaches refactoring rules for working developers, focusing on concrete rules and getting any method down to five lines or less. It covers symptoms of bad code, extracting methods, introducing strategy patterns, modifying code safely, writing stable code, and proper compiler practices. The author, Christian Clausen, is a Technical Agile Coach and software engineer with an MSc in computer science and five years of teaching software quality experience.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 275 pages
Publication date: 06 December 2021
Publisher: Manning Publications

One of the most frequent tasks that programmers encounter is improving existing code, often referred to as refactoring. This process involves enhancing the structure, clarity, and maintainability of code without altering its functionality. Five Lines of Code is a valuable resource for developers seeking to enhance their refactoring skills. Written in a concise and accessible style, the book offers a systematic approach to refactoring that can be applied without relying on intuitive judgments or "code smells."

The author, Christian Clausen, takes a practical and principles-based approach to refactoring. He believes that refactoring and code smells can be learned through a concrete set of principles and provides clear guidelines for when and how to refactor code. The book is designed for working developers who want to improve their programming efficiency while delivering high-quality code.

Throughout the book, Clausen guides readers step by step through applying refactoring patterns to the codebase of a 2D puzzle game. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the underlying principles of each pattern and applying them appropriately to different scenarios. By following the author's expert perspective, readers will learn how to identify code characteristics that indicate the need for refactoring, such as complexity, duplication, and cohesion.

One of the key strengths of Five Lines of Code is its focus on concrete rules and patterns. Clausen encourages developers to break down complex methods into smaller, more manageable chunks and to focus on improving the clarity and readability of the code. He provides detailed code examples and illustrations to demonstrate the application of these rules and patterns, making it easier for readers to understand and apply them in their own projects.

Another notable aspect of the book is its emphasis on getting any method down to five lines or less. Clausen argues that by reducing the complexity of methods, developers can make their code more maintainable and easier to understand. He provides practical tips and techniques for achieving this goal, such as using functional programming principles and avoiding unnecessary complexity.

Five Lines of Code is a valuable resource for developers of all skill levels. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced programmer, the book offers practical insights and techniques for improving your refactoring skills. Its concise and accessible style makes it easy to follow, and the detailed code examples and illustrations provide a solid foundation for applying the principles learned.

In conclusion, Five Lines of Code is a must-read for programmers seeking to improve their refactoring skills. By following the author's practical and principles-based approach, developers can enhance the quality, clarity, and maintainability of their codebase. The book's focus on concrete rules and patterns, combined with its emphasis on reducing complexity and improving code readability, makes it an invaluable resource for working developers. Whether you are working on a small project or a large codebase, Five Lines of Code will help you become a more efficient and effective programmer.

Weight: 620g
Dimension: 187 x 236 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781617298318