Knowledge · Anti-Patterns

Smell Lazy Element

Code smell indicating program elements that are not earning their keep (updated from Lazy Class)

Impact

We like using program elements to add structure, making it easier to express meaning. But sometimes the structure is not needed, perhaps because a once-planned capability never materialized, or through refactoring that removed most of the logic. Such elements need to die with dignity. When they are not doing enough to pay for themselves, they should be eliminated.

Symptoms

We like using program elements to add structure, making it easier to express meaning. But sometimes the structure is not needed, perhaps because a once-planned capability never materialized, or through refactoring that removed most of the logic. Such elements need to die with dignity. When they are not doing enough to pay for themselves, they should be eliminated.

Source

Martin Fowler — Refactoring: Improving the Design of Existing Code, 2nd