What is one of the main purposes of using refactoring?

One of the main purposes of using refactoring is to reduce technical debt in existing code. Refactoring involves restructuring existing computer code without changing its external behavior. Its primary goal is to improve the nonfunctional attributes of the software, such as readability, maintainability, and performance. By addressing areas of the code that may have become cumbersome or difficult to understand, developers can reduce technical debt—which represents the implied cost of additional rework caused by choosing an easy solution now instead of using a better approach that would take longer. This process ultimately leads to more efficient and sustainable code development over time.

In contrast, creating entirely new software architecture is outside the scope of refactoring since it involves significant changes in the design and structure, rather than improving existing code. Eliminating all existing features contradicts the goal of refactoring, which is to maintain functionality while enhancing code quality. Complicating the code for better performance also goes against the principles of refactoring, which prioritize clarity and simplicity alongside effective performance.