Refator, refactor, refactor.

I didn't come across the term 'refactoring' until relatively recently, but it's something I've always done without realising it. Or at least without labelling it. I don't know of an official definition of refactoring, but it would probably go something like this : "Refactoring is the process of improving code quality without changing its function".

Refactoring is just tinkering until it feels right.

Renaming is the simplest form of refactoring.

Renaming is also the most significant key fundamental form of refactoring. Change the name of a variable, method or class, and it can have massive implications on the design. Get a name right, instead of merely almost right, and clarity ensues; pieces of the puzzle fall into place. Glaring mistakes, omissions, duplications and complications become suddenly apparent.