Summary

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The symptoms of Hardcode are:

• Numbers and strings that are embedded directly in the code.

• Numbers and strings that are cut-and-pasted to multiple locations in the code.

• Localization requires changes in the code and in multiple locations.

To prevent Hardcode:

• Standardize location and access methods for number, strings, and any other configurable data.

• Prefer XML if it is appropriate because of the wide range of tools available.

• Standardize asset creation, locations, and management.

To cure the effects of Hardcode:

• Refactor localized strings and porting values first.

• Refactor commonly changed values to a data source outside the code.

• Use context highlighting available on most modern editors to assist in spotting hardcoded string and numbers.

• Collect any repeated values in a single location in the code.

• Move most of these values to a source outside the code, leaving only those determined to be performance critical in the code.

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