Discussion Post #$2$: Code Refactoring

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Code refactoring is the process of restructuring existing computer code$$changing the factoringLinks to an external site.$$without changing its external behavior. Refactoring improves nonfunctionalLinks to an external site. attributes of the softwareLinks to an external site.. Advantages include improved code readabilityLinks to an external site. and reduced complexityLinks to an external site.; these can improve source$-$codeLinks to an external site. maintainabilityLinks to an external site. and create a more expressive internal architectureLinks to an external site. or object modelLinks to an external site. to improve extensibilityLinks to an external site.. Typically, refactoring applies a series of standardized basic micro$-$refactorings, each of which is $($usually$)$ a tiny change in a computer programLinks to an external site.$\text{'}$s source code that either preserves the behavior of the software, or at least does not modify its conformance to functional requirementsLinks to an external site.. Many development environmentsLinks to an external site. provide automated support for performing the mechanical aspects of these basic refactorings. If done extremely well, code refactoring may also resolve hidden, dormant, or undiscovered computer bugsLinks to an external site. or vulnerabilitiesLinks to an external site. in the system by simplifying the underlying logic and eliminating unnecessary levels of complexity. If done poorly it may fail the requirement that external functionality not be changed, introduce new bugs, or both. $-$ Wikipedia, $2017$

Discuss how generalization$-$specialization $($gen$-$spec$)$ can be used to refactor code. In your post, addressing the following questions:

How do class hierarchies, interfaces and abstract classes impact code complexity?

How does overloading and overriding contribute to cleaner code?

How does code refactoring differ from code re$-$engineering?

Be sure to reply to at least two other student posts.