Categorization refactoring techniques based on their effect on software quality attributes

Abstract

Refactoring techniques don't always improve all aspects of software quality attributes. Different types of refactoring techniques have different types of effect on different software quality attributes. consequently, software practitioners encounter challenges in selecting appropriate refactoring techniques to enhance the quality of software design in support of particular design goals. Therefore, categorization refactoring techniques depending on their influence on quality attributes is significant to enable software practitioners in improving software quality by selecting suitable refactoring techniques. A systematic review has been accomplished to determine and analyze studies which tightly related to categorize the refactoring techniques depending on their influence on quality attributes.14 primary studies have been found and selected for analysis. The obtained results showed that there is a lack of studies regarding the categorization of the refactoring techniques and the current works are insufficient to solve the challenges facing software practitioners. Several recommendations have been suggested to address these gaps.