Code Refactoring Techniques in C Language Development

In software development, code refactoring refers to the process of improving and optimizing existing code without changing its external behavior. Proper refactoring can enhance the readability, maintainability, and performance of the code. This article will introduce some basic code refactoring techniques in C language development and demonstrate how to apply these techniques through examples.

1. Extract Function

The basic idea of extracting a function is to abstract a lengthy piece of code into a separate function to improve reusability and readability.

Example

#include <stdio.h>
void calculateTotal(float price, int quantity) {    float total = price * quantity;    printf("Total: %.2f\n", total);}
int main() {    float price = 19.99;    int quantity = 5;
    // Original code: calculate total price and output    printf("Total: %.2f\n", price * quantity);
    // Using the extracted function    calculateTotal(price, quantity);
    return 0;}

In this example, we extracted the functionality of calculating the total price and created the <span>calculateTotal</span> function, making the main program logic clearer.

2. Eliminate Magic Numbers

Magic numbers are numbers that appear directly in the code without context explaining their meaning. By defining constants, we can give the program better self-documentation capabilities.

Example

#include <stdio.h>
#define TAX_RATE 0.05 // Tax rate constant definition
float calculateTax(float amount) {    return amount * TAX_RATE;}
int main() {    float itemPrice = 100.00;
    // Original method: directly using magic number    float tax = itemPrice * 0.05; 
   // Using the eliminated magic number   tax = calculateTax(itemPrice);
   printf("Tax: %.2f\n", tax);
   return 0;}

Here, the constant <span>TAX_RATE</span> replaces the magic number “0.05”, making the tax rate easier to understand and maintain.

3. Simplify Conditional Expressions

Complex and deeply nested conditional statements can make reading difficult. We can improve this situation by simplifying conditions or using early returns.

Example

#include <stdio.h>
void processValue(int value) {     if (value > 10) {         if (value < 20) {             printf("Value is between 11 and 19.\n");         }     }}
// Refactored:
void processValueSimplified(int value) {     if (value > 10 && value < 20) {          printf("Value is between 11 and 19.\n");     }}
int main() {     processValue(15);          // Not easy to understand     processValueSimplified(15); // More concise
     return 0;}

In this example, we merged two if conditions, making the judgment logic clearer and simpler, which helps improve readability.

Ensure Consistent Coding Style

Maintaining a consistent coding style is also important. This includes naming conventions, indentation styles, and other formatting rules. For example:

Naming Conventions:

• Use lowercase letters and underscores (e.g., my_variable) or camel case (e.g., myVariable) to ensure consistency of names within the project.

Indentation and Spacing:

Set a uniform indentation (recommended 4 spaces) and appropriate whitespace to enhance visual appeal and neatness, making it easier for others to read your source files.

Conclusion

The above are some basic refactoring techniques in C language development, including extracting functions, eliminating magic numbers, simplifying conditional expressions, and more. When refactoring, it is essential to ensure that external behavior remains unchanged and to maintain good version management practices, which facilitate tracking changes. Start small and gradually improve programming quality; you will find your work efficiency significantly enhanced.