Inline method considered helpful: An approach to interface evolution

Abstract

While Extract Method is generally considered one of the most useful refactorings, the inverse refactoring Inline Method is so far only documented for removing methods whose bodies are as clear as their names. This paper outlines an approach how Inline Method may be used in changing method signatures and behavior. Furthermore, it proposes how the approach may simplify evolving published interfaces as well as merging parallel source code changes in next generation software configuration management tools. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2003.