Definition
Refactoring, also known as rearchitecting, is the process of restructuring existing computer code or an entire system without changing its external behavior. It involves improving the internal design, structure, and implementation of software to make it more efficient, maintainable, and understandable. In practice, refactoring might involve breaking down large functions into smaller ones, improving variable names, or reorganizing code modules. This practice is crucial for long-term project health, reducing technical debt and enabling faster future development. For instance, a monolithic application might be refactored into microservices to improve scalability and resilience. Unlike re-platforming, which moves an application to a new platform with minimal code changes, refactoring focuses on improving the code itself. This concept is frequently tested on AWS certification exams and the CCSP certification.