Book cover of Refactoring: Improving the Design of Existing Code

Book description

Refactoring is about improving the design of existing code. It is the process of changing a software system in such a way that it does not alter the external behavior of the code, yet improves its internal structure. With refactoring you can even take a bad design and rework it…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

2 authors picked Refactoring as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

This book is different from the others I recommended, because its focus is not really on creating algorithms, but rather on how to improve code with a systematic process, keeping functionality but enhancing quality.

The author shows several practical techniques that he applies to real-world problems and empower you to elevate your code's quality and adapt it seamlessly to changing needs. It's not just about writing code; it's about becoming a more effective and confident developer.

I consider this book a companion on the journey to mastering the craft of coding. With it, you’ll always be able to achieve higher-quality…

What does refactoring have to do with domain modeling in functional programming?

It turns out that the very essence of code improvement is closely tied to enhancing its capability to handle the intricacies of a specific domain. This implies that even when refactoring a domain-agnostic mechanism in our code, our objective is to address previously inaccessible aspects of the domain.

Another important aspect of refactoring is that functional languages make it more desirable and safer, thanks to core principles such as purity and immutability.

Although there might not be an abundance of books on domain modeling in functional programming, I…

From Alexander's list on The best books on domain modeling.

If you love Refactoring...

Book cover of December on 5C4

December on 5C4 by Adam Strassberg,

Magical realism meets the magic of Christmas in this mix of Jewish, New Testament, and Santa stories–all reenacted in an urban psychiatric hospital!

On locked ward 5C4, Josh, a patient with many similarities to Jesus, is hospitalized concurrently with Nick, a patient with many similarities to Santa. The two argue…

Want books like Refactoring?

Our community of 13,000+ authors has personally recommended 84 books like Refactoring.

Browse books like Refactoring

Book cover of Domain-Driven Design: Tackling Complexity in the Heart of Software
Book cover of Domain-Specific Languages
Book cover of Domain Modeling Made Functional: Tackle Software Complexity with Domain-Driven Design and F#

Share your top 3 reads of 2026!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

175

readers submitted
so far, will you?

📚 If you like Refactoring, you might also like...

Book cover of Sexy Selfie Nation: Standing Up for Yourself in Today's Toxic, Sexist Culture

Sexy Selfie Nation by Leora Tanenbaum,

The problem is not with the actions young women take but with the toxic, sexist conditions they are responding to.

Tanenbaum found, based on six years of interviews with young people ages 14-30, that young women are navigating a culture littered with gendered dress codes, revenge porn, and sexually explicit…

Book cover of In This Together: Connecting with Your Community to Combat the Climate Crisis

In This Together by Marianne E. Krasny,

In This Together explores how we can harness our social networks to make a real impact fighting the climate crisis. Against notions of the lone environmental crusader, Marianne E. Krasny shows us the power of "network climate action"—the idea that our own ordinary acts can influence and inspire those close…

5 book lists we think you will like!