Signs and Symptoms
A variable, parameter, field, method or class is no longer used (usually because it’s obsolete).
Reasons for the Problem
When requirements for the software have changed or corrections have been made, nobody had time to clean up the old code.
Such code could also be found in complex conditionals, when one of the branches becomes unreachable (due to error or other circ*mstances).
Treatment
The quickest way to find dead code is to use a good IDE.
Delete unused code and unneeded files.
In the case of an unnecessary class, Inline Class or Collapse Hierarchy can be applied if a subclass or superclass is used.
To remove unneeded parameters, use Remove Parameter.
Payoff
Reduced code size.
Simpler support.
Tired of reading?
No wonder, it takes 7hours to read all of the text we have here.
Try our interactive course on refactoring. It offers a less tedious approach to learning new stuff.