What is one outcome of effective refactoring?

Effective refactoring primarily focuses on improving the structure of existing code while maintaining its functionality. One of the key outcomes of this process is the enhancement of code readability and maintainability. When code is refactored, it is often reorganized, simplified, or broken down into smaller, more manageable functions or components. This leads to code that is easier to understand, reducing the cognitive load on developers who read or modify it later.

Clearer code is typically accompanied by improved documentation and naming conventions, making it more intuitive. When future developers or even the original authors revisit the code, they can more quickly grasp its purpose and operational flow, which is critical for long-term project success and adaptability.

By prioritizing readability and maintainability, refactoring not only aids in current development efforts but also lays a solid foundation for future enhancements and debugging, ultimately promoting a healthier codebase in the long run.