Proposed workflow uses characterization tests to safely refactor legacy code

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A software development article proposes a method for safely refactoring complex code. It recommends first creating characterization tests to record a function's current behavior using real inputs and outputs. These tests act as a baseline to prevent accidental changes during subsequent edits. The process involves making small, incremental changes and reverting any that cause the tests to fail. The author credits the concept to Michael Feathers' work on legacy code but states this is an independent proposal.

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