Approach to code refactoring? Do you use auxiliary tools?

The approach to refactoring code is based on gradual improvement of the structure without changing external behavior. I usually start by identifying the "pain points" — duplication, long functions, complex conditions.

I use the following practices:

• Breaking large functions into smaller ones
• Renaming variables and methods for clarity
• Removing unused code
• Implementing design patterns if justified

Supporting tools:

• Static code analyzers (PHPStan, Psalm)
• Automatic formatting tools (PHP CS Fixer)
• Unit tests to verify correctness after changes

Example:

// Was
function process($data) {
    if (count($data) > 0) {
        // complex logic
    }
}

// Now
function hasData(array $data): bool {
    return count($data) > 0;
}

function process(array $data) {
    if (hasData($data)) {
        // complex logic
    }
}