Clean up the trash TL;DR: Eliminate unused functions, constants, and "just-in-case" code. Problems Addressed Dead Code
Just-in-case code
Reduced maintainability
Anchor Boats
Cognitive Load Related Code Smells https://hackernoon.com/how-to-find-the-stinky-parts-of-your-code-part-ii-o96s3wl4?embedable=true https://hackernoon.com/how-to-find-the-stinky-parts-of-your-code-part-xi-sit35t1?embedable=true https://hackernoon.com/how-to-find-the-stinky-parts-of-your-code-part-xxx?embedable=true Steps Ensure your code has good functional coverage.
Identify unused functions and constants by reviewing your code or using static analysis tools.
Analyze the added speculative code, just in case.
Remove anything unnecessary or unused.
Perform comprehensive regression testing on your code. Sample Code Before from flask import Flask, jsonify, make_response

app = Flask(__name__)
 
HTTP_100_CONTINUE = 100
HTTP_202_ACCEPTED = 202  # Not used
HTTP_204_NO_CONTENT = 204 # Not Used
HTTP_302_FOUND = 302 # Not Used
HTTP_400_BAD_REQUEST = 400  # Not Used
HTTP_401_UNAUTHORIZED = 401 # Not Used
HTTP_403_FORBIDDEN = 403
HTTP_404_NOT_FOUND = 404
HTTP_410_GONE = 410
HTTP_500_INTERNAL_SERVER_ERROR = 500
HTTP_501_NOT_IMPLEMENTED = 501

probe_telemetry = {
    "temperature": {"solar_panels": 150, "instrument_1": 50},
    "position": {"x": 1000000, "y": 2000000, "z": 3000000, 
    "velocity": {"vx": 100, "vy": 200, "vz": 300}},
    "status": {"power_level": 95, "communication_status": "OK"}
}

@app.route('/api/v1/probe/telemetry', methods=['GET'])
def get_telemetry():
    return jsonify(probe_telemetry), HTTP_200_OK

# The following function is not invoked 
# and not implemented
# It is a dead placeholder
@app.route('/api/v1/probe/send_command', methods=['POST'])
def send_command():
    return jsonify(
        {"message": "Command endpoint not implemented yet."}
    ), HTTP_501_NOT_IMPLEMENTED

@app.route('/api/v1/probe/data', methods=['GET'])
def get_data():
    return jsonify({"message": "Data not found"}), HTTP_404_NOT_FOUND

@app.route('/api/v1/probe/redirect', methods=['GET'])
def redirect_endpoint():
    response = make_response(
        jsonify({"message": "Redirecting..."}), 
        HTTP_301_MOVED_PERMANENTLY
    )
    response.headers['Location'] = '/api/v1/probe/telemetry'
    return response

@app.route('/api/v1/probe/not_modified', methods=['GET'])
def not_modified_endpoint():
    response = make_response(jsonify({"message": "Not Modified"}), 
       HTTP_304_NOT_MODIFIED)
    response.headers['ETag'] = 'some_etag'
    return response

@app.route('/api/v1/probe/gone', methods=['GET'])
def gone_endpoint():
    return jsonify(
        {"message": "Resource permanently gone"}
    ), HTTP_410_GONE After # 1. Ensure your code has good functional coverage.

from flask import Flask, jsonify, make_response
from http import HTTPStatus

app = Flask(__name__)

# 2. Identify unused functions and constants 
# by reviewing your code or using static analysis tools.
HTTP_200_OK = HTTPStatus.OK
HTTP_301_MOVED_PERMANENTLY = HTTPStatus.MOVED_PERMANENTLY
HTTP_304_NOT_MODIFIED = HTTPStatus.NOT_MODIFIED
HTTP_404_NOT_FOUND = HTTPStatus.NOT_FOUND
HTTP_410_GONE = HTTPStatus.GONE
HTTP_501_NOT_IMPLEMENTED = HTTPStatus.NOT_IMPLEMENTED

probe_telemetry = {
    "temperature": {"solar_panels": 150, "instrument_1": 50},
    "position": {"x": 1000000, "y": 2000000, "z": 3000000, 
    "velocity": {"vx": 100, "vy": 200, "vz": 300}},
    "status": {"power_level": 95, "communication_status": "OK"}
}

@app.route('/api/v1/probe/telemetry', methods=['GET'])
def get_telemetry():
    return jsonify(probe_telemetry), HTTP_200_OK

# 3. Analyze the added speculative code, just in case.
  
@app.route('/api/v1/probe/send_command', methods=['POST'])
def send_command():
    return jsonify({"message": "Command endpoint not implemented yet."}), 
       HTTP_501_NOT_IMPLEMENTED

@app.route('/api/v1/probe/data', methods=['GET'])
def get_data():
    return jsonify({"message": "Data not found"}), 
      HTTP_404_NOT_FOUND

# 4. Remove anything unnecessary or unused.

# 5. Perform comprehensive regression testing on your code. Type [x]Semi-Automatic You can perform baby steps and remove the unnecessary code in iterations. Safety This refactoring is safe if you thoroughly test your application after the changes. Static analysis tools can help ensure you don't remove anything still in use. Why is the Code Better? You improve clarity and reduce complexity by removing unused elements. Your code becomes easier to understand and maintain. Reducing speculative code also keeps your focus on current, actual requirements. How Does it Improve the Bijection? Dead code and speculative elements break Bijection between your software and the real-world model. Removing these elements ensures your code accurately represents your MAPPER, making it cleaner and closer to reality. Limitations Removing dead code requires confidence that it's truly unused. This process relies on static analysis or thorough codebase knowledge, which can be error-prone without robust tools. Refactor with AI Without Proper Instructions

With Specific Instructions



ChatGPT

ChatGPT



Claude

Claude



Perplexity

Perplexity



Copilot

Copilot



Gemini

Gemini Tags Bloaters Related Refactorings https://hackernoon.com/improving-the-code-one-line-at-a-time?embedable=true Credits Image by Peter H from Pixabay This article is part of the Refactoring Series. https://maximilianocontieri.com/how-to-improve-your-code-with-easy-refactorings?embedable=true Clean up the trash Clean up the trash TL;DR: Eliminate unused functions, constants, and "just-in-case" code. TL;DR: Eliminate unused functions, constants, and "just-in-case" code. Problems Addressed Dead Code Just-in-case code Reduced maintainability Anchor Boats Cognitive Load Dead Code Dead Code Just-in-case code Reduced maintainability Anchor Boats Anchor Boats Cognitive Load Related Code Smells https://hackernoon.com/how-to-find-the-stinky-parts-of-your-code-part-ii-o96s3wl4?embedable=true https://hackernoon.com/how-to-find-the-stinky-parts-of-your-code-part-ii-o96s3wl4?embedable=true https://hackernoon.com/how-to-find-the-stinky-parts-of-your-code-part-xi-sit35t1?embedable=true https://hackernoon.com/how-to-find-the-stinky-parts-of-your-code-part-xi-sit35t1?embedable=true https://hackernoon.com/how-to-find-the-stinky-parts-of-your-code-part-xxx?embedable=true https://hackernoon.com/how-to-find-the-stinky-parts-of-your-code-part-xxx?embedable=true Steps Ensure your code has good functional coverage. Identify unused functions and constants by reviewing your code or using static analysis tools. Analyze the added speculative code, just in case. Remove anything unnecessary or unused. Perform comprehensive regression testing on your code. Ensure your code has good functional coverage. Identify unused functions and constants by reviewing your code or using static analysis tools. Analyze the added speculative code, just in case. Remove anything unnecessary or unused. Perform comprehensive regression testing on your code. Sample Code Before from flask import Flask, jsonify, make_response

app = Flask(__name__)
 
HTTP_100_CONTINUE = 100
HTTP_202_ACCEPTED = 202  # Not used
HTTP_204_NO_CONTENT = 204 # Not Used
HTTP_302_FOUND = 302 # Not Used
HTTP_400_BAD_REQUEST = 400  # Not Used
HTTP_401_UNAUTHORIZED = 401 # Not Used
HTTP_403_FORBIDDEN = 403
HTTP_404_NOT_FOUND = 404
HTTP_410_GONE = 410
HTTP_500_INTERNAL_SERVER_ERROR = 500
HTTP_501_NOT_IMPLEMENTED = 501

probe_telemetry = {
    "temperature": {"solar_panels": 150, "instrument_1": 50},
    "position": {"x": 1000000, "y": 2000000, "z": 3000000, 
    "velocity": {"vx": 100, "vy": 200, "vz": 300}},
    "status": {"power_level": 95, "communication_status": "OK"}
}

@app.route('/api/v1/probe/telemetry', methods=['GET'])
def get_telemetry():
    return jsonify(probe_telemetry), HTTP_200_OK

# The following function is not invoked 
# and not implemented
# It is a dead placeholder
@app.route('/api/v1/probe/send_command', methods=['POST'])
def send_command():
    return jsonify(
        {"message": "Command endpoint not implemented yet."}
    ), HTTP_501_NOT_IMPLEMENTED

@app.route('/api/v1/probe/data', methods=['GET'])
def get_data():
    return jsonify({"message": "Data not found"}), HTTP_404_NOT_FOUND

@app.route('/api/v1/probe/redirect', methods=['GET'])
def redirect_endpoint():
    response = make_response(
        jsonify({"message": "Redirecting..."}), 
        HTTP_301_MOVED_PERMANENTLY
    )
    response.headers['Location'] = '/api/v1/probe/telemetry'
    return response

@app.route('/api/v1/probe/not_modified', methods=['GET'])
def not_modified_endpoint():
    response = make_response(jsonify({"message": "Not Modified"}), 
       HTTP_304_NOT_MODIFIED)
    response.headers['ETag'] = 'some_etag'
    return response

@app.route('/api/v1/probe/gone', methods=['GET'])
def gone_endpoint():
    return jsonify(
        {"message": "Resource permanently gone"}
    ), HTTP_410_GONE from flask import Flask, jsonify, make_response

app = Flask(__name__)
 
HTTP_100_CONTINUE = 100
HTTP_202_ACCEPTED = 202  # Not used
HTTP_204_NO_CONTENT = 204 # Not Used
HTTP_302_FOUND = 302 # Not Used
HTTP_400_BAD_REQUEST = 400  # Not Used
HTTP_401_UNAUTHORIZED = 401 # Not Used
HTTP_403_FORBIDDEN = 403
HTTP_404_NOT_FOUND = 404
HTTP_410_GONE = 410
HTTP_500_INTERNAL_SERVER_ERROR = 500
HTTP_501_NOT_IMPLEMENTED = 501

probe_telemetry = {
    "temperature": {"solar_panels": 150, "instrument_1": 50},
    "position": {"x": 1000000, "y": 2000000, "z": 3000000, 
    "velocity": {"vx": 100, "vy": 200, "vz": 300}},
    "status": {"power_level": 95, "communication_status": "OK"}
}

@app.route('/api/v1/probe/telemetry', methods=['GET'])
def get_telemetry():
    return jsonify(probe_telemetry), HTTP_200_OK

# The following function is not invoked 
# and not implemented
# It is a dead placeholder
@app.route('/api/v1/probe/send_command', methods=['POST'])
def send_command():
    return jsonify(
        {"message": "Command endpoint not implemented yet."}
    ), HTTP_501_NOT_IMPLEMENTED

@app.route('/api/v1/probe/data', methods=['GET'])
def get_data():
    return jsonify({"message": "Data not found"}), HTTP_404_NOT_FOUND

@app.route('/api/v1/probe/redirect', methods=['GET'])
def redirect_endpoint():
    response = make_response(
        jsonify({"message": "Redirecting..."}), 
        HTTP_301_MOVED_PERMANENTLY
    )
    response.headers['Location'] = '/api/v1/probe/telemetry'
    return response

@app.route('/api/v1/probe/not_modified', methods=['GET'])
def not_modified_endpoint():
    response = make_response(jsonify({"message": "Not Modified"}), 
       HTTP_304_NOT_MODIFIED)
    response.headers['ETag'] = 'some_etag'
    return response

@app.route('/api/v1/probe/gone', methods=['GET'])
def gone_endpoint():
    return jsonify(
        {"message": "Resource permanently gone"}
    ), HTTP_410_GONE After # 1. Ensure your code has good functional coverage.

from flask import Flask, jsonify, make_response
from http import HTTPStatus

app = Flask(__name__)

# 2. Identify unused functions and constants 
# by reviewing your code or using static analysis tools.
HTTP_200_OK = HTTPStatus.OK
HTTP_301_MOVED_PERMANENTLY = HTTPStatus.MOVED_PERMANENTLY
HTTP_304_NOT_MODIFIED = HTTPStatus.NOT_MODIFIED
HTTP_404_NOT_FOUND = HTTPStatus.NOT_FOUND
HTTP_410_GONE = HTTPStatus.GONE
HTTP_501_NOT_IMPLEMENTED = HTTPStatus.NOT_IMPLEMENTED

probe_telemetry = {
    "temperature": {"solar_panels": 150, "instrument_1": 50},
    "position": {"x": 1000000, "y": 2000000, "z": 3000000, 
    "velocity": {"vx": 100, "vy": 200, "vz": 300}},
    "status": {"power_level": 95, "communication_status": "OK"}
}

@app.route('/api/v1/probe/telemetry', methods=['GET'])
def get_telemetry():
    return jsonify(probe_telemetry), HTTP_200_OK

# 3. Analyze the added speculative code, just in case.
  
@app.route('/api/v1/probe/send_command', methods=['POST'])
def send_command():
    return jsonify({"message": "Command endpoint not implemented yet."}), 
       HTTP_501_NOT_IMPLEMENTED

@app.route('/api/v1/probe/data', methods=['GET'])
def get_data():
    return jsonify({"message": "Data not found"}), 
      HTTP_404_NOT_FOUND

# 4. Remove anything unnecessary or unused.

# 5. Perform comprehensive regression testing on your code. # 1. Ensure your code has good functional coverage.

from flask import Flask, jsonify, make_response
from http import HTTPStatus

app = Flask(__name__)

# 2. Identify unused functions and constants 
# by reviewing your code or using static analysis tools.
HTTP_200_OK = HTTPStatus.OK
HTTP_301_MOVED_PERMANENTLY = HTTPStatus.MOVED_PERMANENTLY
HTTP_304_NOT_MODIFIED = HTTPStatus.NOT_MODIFIED
HTTP_404_NOT_FOUND = HTTPStatus.NOT_FOUND
HTTP_410_GONE = HTTPStatus.GONE
HTTP_501_NOT_IMPLEMENTED = HTTPStatus.NOT_IMPLEMENTED

probe_telemetry = {
    "temperature": {"solar_panels": 150, "instrument_1": 50},
    "position": {"x": 1000000, "y": 2000000, "z": 3000000, 
    "velocity": {"vx": 100, "vy": 200, "vz": 300}},
    "status": {"power_level": 95, "communication_status": "OK"}
}

@app.route('/api/v1/probe/telemetry', methods=['GET'])
def get_telemetry():
    return jsonify(probe_telemetry), HTTP_200_OK

# 3. Analyze the added speculative code, just in case.
  
@app.route('/api/v1/probe/send_command', methods=['POST'])
def send_command():
    return jsonify({"message": "Command endpoint not implemented yet."}), 
       HTTP_501_NOT_IMPLEMENTED

@app.route('/api/v1/probe/data', methods=['GET'])
def get_data():
    return jsonify({"message": "Data not found"}), 
      HTTP_404_NOT_FOUND

# 4. Remove anything unnecessary or unused.

# 5. Perform comprehensive regression testing on your code. Type [x]Semi-Automatic [x] Semi-Automatic [x] You can perform baby steps and remove the unnecessary code in iterations. Safety This refactoring is safe if you thoroughly test your application after the changes. Static analysis tools can help ensure you don't remove anything still in use. Why is the Code Better? You improve clarity and reduce complexity by removing unused elements. Your code becomes easier to understand and maintain. Reducing speculative code also keeps your focus on current, actual requirements. How Does it Improve the Bijection? Dead code and speculative elements break Bijection between your software and the real-world model. Bijection Removing these elements ensures your code accurately represents your MAPPER , making it cleaner and closer to reality. MAPPER Limitations Removing dead code requires confidence that it's truly unused. This process relies on static analysis or thorough codebase knowledge, which can be error-prone without robust tools. Refactor with AI Without Proper Instructions

With Specific Instructions



ChatGPT

ChatGPT



Claude

Claude



Perplexity

Perplexity



Copilot

Copilot



Gemini

Gemini Without Proper Instructions

With Specific Instructions ChatGPT

ChatGPT Claude

Claude Perplexity

Perplexity Copilot

Copilot Gemini

Gemini Without Proper Instructions With Specific Instructions Without Proper Instructions Without Proper Instructions With Specific Instructions With Specific Instructions ChatGPT ChatGPT ChatGPT ChatGPT ChatGPT ChatGPT ChatGPT ChatGPT Claude Claude Claude Claude Claude Claude Claude Claude Perplexity Perplexity Perplexity Perplexity Perplexity Perplexity Perplexity Perplexity Copilot Copilot Copilot Copilot Copilot Copilot Copilot Copilot Gemini Gemini Gemini Gemini Gemini Gemini Gemini Gemini Tags Bloaters Bloaters Related Refactorings https://hackernoon.com/improving-the-code-one-line-at-a-time?embedable=true https://hackernoon.com/improving-the-code-one-line-at-a-time?embedable=true Credits Image by Peter H from Pixabay Peter H Pixabay This article is part of the Refactoring Series. https://maximilianocontieri.com/how-to-improve-your-code-with-easy-refactorings?embedable=true https://maximilianocontieri.com/how-to-improve-your-code-with-easy-refactorings?embedable=true

The code in this story is for educational purposes. The readers are solely responsible for whatever they build with it.

Code Smell 285 - How to Fix Non-Imperative Functions

Code Smell 284 - Encrypted Functions

Buy My Book

Share your ideas with me!

Refactoring 021 - Remove Dead Code

About Author

Comments

TOPICS

THIS ARTICLE WAS FEATURED IN

Related Stories

Untitled Story

10 Predictions About the Future of Finance

106 Stories To Learn About Clean Code

100 Pieces of Programming Advice from the Book Clean Code by Robert Martin

110 Stories To Learn About Refactoring

3 Things Coding And Prose Writing Have In Common According To Cory House

10 Predictions About the Future of Finance

106 Stories To Learn About Clean Code

100 Pieces of Programming Advice from the Book Clean Code by Robert Martin

110 Stories To Learn About Refactoring

3 Things Coding And Prose Writing Have In Common According To Cory House

Light-Mode

Classic

Newspaper

Dark-Mode

Neon Noir

Minty

HN StartUps