Rename Method

The name of a method does not explain what the method does.

“A method name does not reveal its purpose.”

Names matter.

graph LR
    A[String::getNm()] -->|Refactoring| B[String::getName()]

When to apply (Smells)

• Mysterious Name: Methods named calc, doIt, process.
• Misleading Name: getPerson() that actually creates a person.

Motivation

• Communication: Code is for humans. Names are the primary way to communicate intent.

Mechanics (Steps)

1. Check if different name is better.
2. Change the declaration.
3. Find all callers and update them.

Explanation

Problem

Name is bad. cust.p()

Solution

Rename it. cust.printPrice()

Real world analogy

If you have a button labeled “Push Me” that launches a missile, rename it to “Launch Missile”.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Clarity	Breaking API changes (public methods)

Code example

Typescript

Before

After

PHP

Before

After