Last week I wrote about the reasons to refactor code. Let us now look at some reasons why you shouldn’t refactor code. When dealing with legacy code there will always be a temptation to refactor the code to improve its understand-ability or performance. However, here are some reasons why it might be better to hold off:

1. You do not have the proper tests in place

Do not waste time refactoring your code when you do not have the proper tests in place
to make sure the code you are refactoring is still working correctly. A refactoring exercise pre-supposes a good engineering environment. And testing is one of the key components of that environment. If you don’t have a good way to test what you changed, it is better to hold off making that change until you can fully test it. Our developers tell us it is impossible to write good code without thorough testing. I believe them.

2. Allure of technology

Don’t make a refactoring change because a new exciting technology gets released. Given the fast pace of change there will always be something new and exciting. Today’s new and exciting technology will be legacy tomorrow. Instead, seek to understand the value of the new technology. If a Java backend is working fine, don’t jump to node.js unless you know that event handling is necessary for your application. Too many legacy applications are hard to maintain because they have a mish-mash of languages, frameworks, and technologies.

To learn more watch our video on architectural refactoring.

3. The application doesn’t need to change

The primary purpose for changing an application is to satisfy new user requirements or usage conditions. So as long as the user of the application is content with the operation of the application there is less of a need to refactor the code. If there is no reason to change the application there is no reason to refactor it. Even if your company is swimming in money and you don’t have anything else to do, don’t do it.