Analyzing the Ripple Effects of Refactoring. A Registered Report

Abstract

Background: Shortening development cycles and pressure mounting to continuously deliver releases make developers resort to expedients, shortcuts, and, ultimately, detrimental design choices, resulting in intricate and difficult-to-maintain software systems. A classical solution is code refactoring to reduce code complexity and aid maintainability. Nonetheless, developers perceive refactoring as a substantial cost and risk. 

Aim: Our study seeks to provide recommendations for developers by analyzing the long-term effect of refactoring on the code base, thereby aiding in strategic development decisions. 

Method: We will analyze the long-term effect of refactoring activities on software code via change and defective proneness of refactoring and benefit/effort ratio analysis. 

Expected Results: Our expected contributions are actionable recommendations for practitioners regarding the long-term implications of refactoring.

Keywords: Software Quality, Software Maintenance, Refactoring, Empirical Software Engineering