Code Simplification System for Reducing Software Duplication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Software companies face increased complexity and costs due to duplicate or redundant code variations written by different developers, making it difficult to maintain and update software efficiently as projects grow and developers come and go.
Innovation Solution
A code simplification system (CSS) that identifies and corrects redundancies and variances in source code by comparing code objects across different versions or portions of a software project, using automated analysis and human confirmation to generate recommendations for refactoring and updating the code to reduce duplication and improve maintainability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different developers write code for different parts of the software system, then individual coding flexibility and creativity are improved, but code duplication and redundancy increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges duplicate code segments from different developers into a single unified code object. The comparison engine identifies redundant code across the codebase and consolidates them, eliminating duplication while preserving the functional intent written by different developers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates universal code templates that can serve multiple functions and developers. By identifying common patterns and duplications, the system establishes reusable code structures that multiple developers can utilize, reducing the need for each developer to write their own version of the same functionality.
2Ease of operation
If duplicate or redundant code variations are allowed, then individual developer autonomy is maintained, but maintenance complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the maintenance burden from individual developers by automatically identifying and consolidating duplicate code. This extraction process removes the complexity of managing multiple code variations while preserving developer autonomy through automated analysis and selective application of consolidation.
Solution Approach 2:
The code simplification system provides self-service functionality by automatically detecting, analyzing, and consolidating duplicate code without requiring manual intervention from developers. The system serves itself by maintaining code consistency across the codebase while allowing developers to focus on their individual contributions.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual code analysis and refactoring is performed, then code quality and consistency are improved, but time and computational resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical code analysis with automated computational analysis. The comparison engine uses algorithmic approaches to identify duplicate code, eliminating the need for manual review while maintaining high code quality standards through systematic and consistent analysis across the entire codebase.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters of code analysis from manual inspection to automated computational comparison. By transforming the analysis process into a computational task with defined parameters and metrics, the system achieves both high code quality and reduced maintenance time through efficient automated processing.
4Productivity
If code duplication is reduced through automated tools, then maintenance efficiency is improved, but the initial implementation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the code simplification process into distinct functional modules: code comparison engine, duplication detection module, and refactoring application component. This segmentation reduces implementation complexity by breaking down the overall system into manageable, independently developable components while maintaining high maintenance efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are various embodiments a code simplification system. An embodiment operates by receiving an identification of both a first code object and a second code object directed to producing a similar result. It is determined that the first code object and the second code object each include code subsets that correspond to each other. Differences between the code subsets of the first code object and the second code object are identified. The differences may include at least one of: a different ordering of the plurality of code subsets between the first code object and the second code object, or an additional code subset in the first code object that is not included in the second code object. A notification is provided with the differences, and input is received indicating an action to take by which either the first code object or the second code object are updated.