When Should You Refactor vs. Rewrite Your Code?

A good rule of thumb I've found is to refactor if you notice repetitive code—you’ve got three or more copies of the same thing. If you need to make updates in multiple places, it's time to generalize. But don’t rush into it; some code just needs to flow naturally with its changes instead of being forced into a generalized structure.

I always stick with refactoring over a complete rewrite. If the code works, just make it easier to work with through refactoring. Sometimes, I run into situations where a rewrite might make sense, like when I’m building something generic that’s really evolved after its initial version. But without a strong financial motive or necessity, I’d really avoid rewriting altogether.

For me, it's all about balance and timing. Minor refactors should happen naturally while you develop new features. But major rewrites? Those require solid justification because it's so easy to get lost in the revisions without seeing any benefits right away. Make sure you're well-equipped with tests before diving into a massive change.

Honestly, I’ve found that if a piece of code makes you dread working on it, that’s a clear sign a rewrite might be necessary. If it’s working decently well but just looks ugly, refactor instead. Always go for the less drastic option unless there’s a solid reason to start fresh. And always, always have integration tests in place first!

I usually say refactor until you feel it’s perfect. Keep making those small improvements alongside your regular coding. Full rewrites can be dangerous if you don't know what issues you'll hit along the way, so heavy refactoring is usually the safer bet.