Duplicated sections within a codebase represent redundancy. This practice, often manifested as identical or nearly identical code blocks appearing in multiple locations, can introduce complications. For example, consider a function for validating user input that is copied and pasted across several modules. While seemingly expedient initially, this duplication creates challenges for maintenance and scalability. If the validation logic needs modification, each instance of the code must be updated individually, increasing the risk of errors and inconsistencies.
The presence of redundancy negatively impacts software development efforts. It increases the size of the codebase, making it more difficult to understand and navigate. Consequently, debugging and testing become more time-consuming and error-prone. Furthermore, repeated segments amplify the potential for introducing and propagating bugs. Historically, developers have recognized the need to address such redundancy to improve software quality and reduce development costs. Reducing this repetition leads to cleaner, more maintainable, and more efficient software projects.
