Yurii Shkraba

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> Clean code is the foundation of a maintainable and efficient software project. However, over time, codebases can become cluttered with code smells, indicating potential design flaws and poor implementation choices. In this blog post, we will explore common code smells in .NET C# and provide practical examples and solutions to help you write cleaner and more maintainable code.


#### What are Code Smells?
Code smells are indicators of potential problems in software code. They are not bugs but rather signs that the code may be poorly structured or lack design elegance. These smells often make code harder to read, understand, and maintain.

#### Importance of Addressing Code Smells
Ignoring code smells can lead to technical debt, making future maintenance and enhancement more difficult and time-consuming. By identifying and resolving code smells, developers can ensure that the codebase remains clean, reducing the risk of introducing bugs and improving long-term maintainability.

#### How to Identify Code Smells
Code reviews, static analysis tools like (SonarQube, Checkmarx), and frequent refactoring can help identify code smells. It's essential to keep the SOLID principles and other best practices in mind while assessing the codebase.

#### Example:
Let's consider a new examples of code smell:

##### Long Method
```csharp
public decimal CalculateProductPrice(Product product, Customer customer)
{
    decimal price = 0;

    if (product.Type == ProductType.Standard)
    {
        if (customer.IsPreferredCustomer)
        {
            price = product.Price * 0.95m;
        }
        else
        {
            price = product.Price;
        }
    }
    else if (product.Type == ProductType.Special)
    {
        if (customer.IsFavoriteCustomer)
        {
            if (product.StockCount > 100)
            {
                price = product.Price * 0.7m;
            }
            else
            {
                price = product.Price * 0.8m;
            }
        }
        else
        {
            price = product.Price * 1.1m;
        }
    }

    // More nested conditions...

    return price;
}

```
###### Resolution:
``` csharp
public decimal CalculateProductPrice(Product product, Customer customer)
{
    if (product.Type == ProductType.Standard)
    {
        return CalculateStandardProductPrice(product, customer);
    }
    else if (product.Type == ProductType.Special)
    {
        return CalculateSpecialProductPrice(product, customer);
    }

    // Handle other product types...

    return 0;
}

private decimal CalculateStandardProductPrice(Product product, Customer customer)
{
    return customer.IsPreferredCustomer ? product.Price * 0.95m : product.Price;
}

private decimal CalculateSpecialProductPrice(Product product, Customer customer)
{
    if (customer.IsPreferredCustomer)
    {
        return product.StockCount > 100 ? product.Price * 0.7m : product.Price * 0.8m;
    }
    else
    {
        return product.Price * 1.1m;
    }
}
```

##### Long Parameter List:
``` csharp
public void CreateOrder(string customerName, string address, string city, string postalCode, string country, DateTime orderDate, List<Product> products)
{
    // Creation logic
    // ...
}
```
###### Resolution:

``` csharp
public class Order
{
    public string CustomerName { get; set; }
    public string Address { get; set; }
    public string City { get; set; }
    public string PostalCode { get; set; }
    public string Country { get; set; }
    public DateTime OrderDate { get; set; }
    public List<Product> Products { get; set; }
}

public void CreateOrder(Order order)
{
    // Creation logic
    // ...
}
```

##### Duplicated Code

``` csharp

public double CalculateAreaOfRectangle(double width, double height)
{
    return width * height;
}

public double CalculateAreaOfSquare(double side)
{
    return side * side;
}
```

###### Resolution:
``` csharp
public double CalculateArea(double dimension1, double dimension2 = 0)
{
    return dimension1 * (dimension2 == 0 ? dimension1 : dimension2);
}

```

##### A Huge Switch Block
In this example, we will refactor huge switch block in a C# application. The switch block contains multiple cases, making the code difficult to maintain and violating the Open/Closed Principle. To refactor the code, we will apply Behavioral Patterns, specifically the Strategy Pattern and Command Pattern, to achieve a more flexible and extensible design.

Consider an application that processes different types of requests
``` csharp
public class RequestProcessor
{
    public void ProcessRequest(Request request)
    {
        switch (request.Type)
        {
            case RequestType.UserInteraction:
                // Handle user interaction
                break;
            case RequestType.ApiRequest:
                // Handle API request
                break;
            case RequestType.DataProcessing:
                // Handle data processing request
                break;
            // More cases for other request types...
            default:
                // Handle unknown request
                break;
        }
    }
}
```
We will start by implementing the Strategy Pattern to decouple the processing logic for each request type into separate classes.
``` csharp

// Interface for request processing strategies
public interface IRequestStrategy
{
    void ProcessRequest(Request request);
}

// Concrete strategy classes for each request type
public class UserInteractionStrategy : IRequestStrategy
{
    public void ProcessRequest(Request request)
    {
        // Handle user interaction
    }
}

public class ApiRequestStrategy : IRequestStrategy
{
    public void ProcessRequest(Request request)
    {
        // Handle API request
    }
}

public class DataProcessingStrategy : IRequestStrategy
{
    public void ProcessRequest(Request request)
    {
        // Handle data processing request
    }
}
```

Next, we will implement the Command Pattern to encapsulate the request processing strategies.

``` csharp
public class RequestProcessorCommand
{
    private readonly IRequestStrategy _strategy;

    public RequestProcessorCommand(IRequestStrategy strategy)
    {
        _strategy = strategy;
    }

    public void Execute(Request request)
    {
        _strategy.Process(request);
    }
}
```
Finally, we refactor the RequestProcessor class to utilize the Command Pattern and eliminate the huge switch block.

``` csharp
public class RequestProcessor
{
    private readonly Dictionary<RequestType, IRequestStrategy> _strategyMap;

    public RequestProcessor()
    {
        // Initialize the strategy map with request types and corresponding strategies
        _strategyMap = new Dictionary<RequestType, IRequestStrategy>
        {
            { RequestType.UserInteraction, new UserInteractionStrategy() },
            { RequestType.ApiRequest, new ApiRequestStrategy() },
            { RequestType.DataProcessing, new DataProcessingStrategy() },
            // You can add other request types here
        };
    }

    public void ProcessRequest(Request request)
    {
        if (_strategyMap.TryGetValue(request.Type, out var strategy))
        {
            var command = new RequestProcessorCommand(strategy);
            command.Execute(request);
        }
        else
        {
            // Handle unknown request
        }
    }
}
```

Identifying and Eliminating Code Smells in .NET C#

How to Identifying and Eliminating Code Smells in .NET


> Becoming an efficient software developer not only enhances your productivity but also improves the quality of your work. By adopting the right habits and techniques, you can optimize your workflow and achieve exceptional results. In this article, we will explore ten essential steps that will guide you on the path to becoming an ultra efficient software developer. Let's dive in!


##### Set Clear Goals and Prioritize Tasks:
Start by setting clear goals for each project or task. Break down complex projects into smaller, manageable milestones. Prioritize your tasks based on their importance and deadlines. This practice will help you maintain focus and ensure that you're consistently working on high-priority items.

##### Embrace Effective Time Management:
Time management is key to becoming efficient. Plan your day by allocating specific time blocks for different activities. Utilize productivity techniques like the Pomodoro Technique to work in concentrated bursts with short breaks in between. Avoid multitasking as it can lead to loss of focus and decreased efficiency.

##### Continuously Improve Your Coding Skills:
Stay updated with the latest programming languages, frameworks, and tools relevant to your field. Regularly engage in continuous learning by reading books, attending workshops, and participating in online courses. Sharpening your coding skills will enable you to write clean, maintainable code efficiently.

##### Leverage Code Reusability and Automation:
Efficiency can be significantly improved by leveraging code reusability and automation. Build a library of reusable code snippets, functions, and modules that can be easily integrated into future projects. Automate repetitive tasks using scripts, build tools, and task runners. This way, you can save time and effort on mundane activities, allowing you to focus on more critical aspects of development.

##### Adopt Agile Development Practices:
Implementing agile development methodologies, such as Scrum or Kanban, can greatly enhance your efficiency. Embrace iterative development, break down projects into sprints, and regularly reassess your progress. Collaborate effectively with team members, communicate clearly, and adapt to changes efficiently.

##### Optimize Your Development Environment:
Ensure that your development environment is optimized for efficiency. Customize your IDE or text editor with shortcuts, plugins, and extensions that streamline your workflow. Use version control systems like Git to manage code efficiently and collaborate with other developers seamlessly.

##### Practice Debugging and Troubleshooting Techniques:
Becoming an efficient software developer means being adept at debugging and troubleshooting. Learn effective debugging techniques and leverage debugging tools provided by your programming language or IDE. Develop a systematic approach to identify and fix issues efficiently, minimizing downtime and enhancing productivity.

##### Foster Effective Communication and Collaboration:
Efficient software development often requires effective communication and collaboration. Regularly interact with colleagues, stakeholders, and clients to understand requirements and provide updates. Utilize collaboration tools, such as project management software, instant messaging, and video conferencing, to facilitate smooth communication and efficient teamwork.

##### Embrace Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment:
Automating the build, testing, and deployment processes through continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines can significantly improve your efficiency. Implement CI/CD tools to ensure faster feedback loops, reduce manual errors, and enable faster and more frequent releases.

##### Take Care of Yourself:
Efficiency is not just about technical skills; it's also about personal well-being. Take care of yourself physically and mentally. Get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Taking breaks and allowing yourself time to recharge will enhance your focus, creativity, and overall productivity.

##### Conclusion:

Becoming an ultra efficient software developer is a continuous journey that requires discipline, constant improvement, and the adoption of smart strategies. By following these ten steps, you can optimize your workflow, increase productivity, and achieve exceptional results. Remember, efficiency is not just about working harder; it's about working smarter. Start implementing these steps today, and watch your efficiency soar to new heights in your software development career.

10 Steps to Become an Efficient Software Developer