🕵️ Assess the Existing Codebase:
Assess your current codebase and associated tests to identify strengths and weaknesses.
🙅 Resist the Urge to Rewrite Everything:
Don't discard tested code; reuse it even if it seems messy to avoid redundant work and past issues.
🧩 Choose Incremental Changes:
Prefer small, incremental updates to avoid overwhelming test failures and frustration.
✅ Validate Tests After Each Update:
Ensure existing tests pass and add new ones as needed to cover changes adequately.
💡 Put Personal Preferences Aside:
Avoid refactoring for style or ego-driven reasons; focus on real issues.
🆕 Beware of Chasing New Technology:
Refactor only if a cost-benefit analysis shows substantial benefits, not just for tech trends.
🪲 Acknowledge Human Error:
Understand that code restructuring doesn't guarantee a flawless outcome.
Mistakes can still occur, and some refactoring attempts may fail.
Embrace the fact that imperfections are part of the human aspect of software development.