I'm running a refactoring code dojo for some coworkers who asked how refactoring and patterns go together, and I need a sample code base. Anyone know of a good starting point that isn't to horrible they can't make heads or tails of the code, but can rewrite their way to something useful?
+5
A:
I would actually suggesting refactoring some of your and your coworkers' code.
There are always places that an existing codebase can be refactored, and the familiarity with the existing code will help make it feel more like a useful thing and less like an exercise. Find something in your company's code to use as an example, if possible.
Reed Copsey
2009-07-27 19:28:04
+2
A:
The first chapter in Martin Fowler "Refactoring" is a good starting point to refactoring. I understood most of the concepts when one of my teachers at school used this example.
Michaël Larouche
2009-07-27 19:28:45
Thanks. I've found the sample code at http://david.koontz.name/home/Projects/Entries/2008/4/13_Photo_of_the_Day.html via http://refactoring.com because of your suggestion. I'll check it out.
Ball
2009-07-27 19:38:56
A:
What is the general knowledge level of your coworkers?
Something basic as code duplication should be easy to wrap their heads around. Two pieces of (nearly) identical code that can be refactored into a reusable method, class, whatever. Using a (past) example from your own codebase would be good.
Thorarin
2009-07-27 19:29:32