UAB Refactoring Network Security and Cryptography Essays
ANSWER
Assignment 1: Understanding Refactoring
Refactoring is a crucial concept in software development that involves restructuring and improving the existing source code of a software system without changing its external behavior. It is an essential practice for maintaining and enhancing the quality of software, making it more maintainable, readable, and efficient over time. Refactoring aims to eliminate code smells, reduce technical debt, and enhance the overall software design.
One example of refactoring can be found in Martin Fowler’s book “Refactoring: Improving the Design of Existing Code.” In this book, Fowler introduces the concept of code smells and provides numerous examples of how to refactor code to eliminate them. One specific example is the refactoring of a long and complex method into smaller, more manageable methods. This process is known as the “Extract Method” refactoring.
In this refactoring, a developer identifies a portion of code within a larger method that performs a distinct function. They then extract that portion into a new method with a descriptive name. By doing this, the code becomes more modular, easier to understand, and can be reused in other parts of the program. Additionally, it simplifies testing and maintenance, as each extracted method can be tested in isolation.
Refactoring is undoubtedly a good practice in software development for several reasons:
- Maintainability: Refactoring improves the maintainability of the codebase. It makes the code easier to understand, update, and debug. Developers can quickly locate and fix issues in a well-refactored codebase.
- Reducing Technical Debt: Code that is not regularly refactored tends to accumulate technical debt, which can slow down development and increase the likelihood of bugs. Refactoring helps manage and reduce technical debt, leading to a more sustainable development process.
- Enhanced Collaboration: Refactored code is easier for multiple developers to work on collaboratively. It promotes better communication within the development team and reduces the chances of introducing new bugs when making changes.
- Performance Improvement: In some cases, refactoring can lead to performance improvements by optimizing algorithms or data structures.
However, persuading clients to allocate time and resources for refactoring can be challenging when they are primarily focused on new functionality. To convince clients of the importance of refactoring, you can use the following strategies:
- Quality Assurance: Explain that refactoring ensures the long-term quality and stability of the software. A codebase with minimal technical debt is less likely to cause unexpected issues, leading to higher customer satisfaction.
- Reduced Maintenance Costs: Emphasize that refactoring can reduce future maintenance costs by making the code easier to work with. It can also speed up the development of new features, as a well-structured codebase is more extensible.
- Risk Mitigation: Highlight the risk of not refactoring. Ignoring code quality can lead to increased bugs, slower development, and even project failure. Refactoring helps mitigate these risks.
- Long-term Savings: While refactoring may require an initial investment, it can save money in the long run by avoiding costly rewrites or extensive bug-fixing efforts.
In conclusion, refactoring is a vital practice in software development for improving code quality and maintainability. While clients may prioritize new functionality, it is essential to educate them about the long-term benefits of refactoring to ensure the success and sustainability of their software projects.
QUESTION
Description
Assignment 1
What is Refactoring? Find an example of refactoring in the literature and tell us about it. Is this procedure a good thing – or would it be better to start over with whatever’s being refactored instead of modifying the existing code? How can you persuade clients to allow you to spend time on refactoring when all they want is new functionality?
500 words
Assignment 2
Assignment Title: Network Security and Cryptography
Instructions:
Read chapters 7 and 8 of the book “Business Data Communications- Infrastructure, Networking and Security, 7th edition.” Based on your understanding of the chapters, write a concise essay addressing the following points:
Part A: Network Security
a) Define network security and its importance in modern organizations. Explain the concept of confidentiality, integrity, availability (CIA triad), and how it relates to network security.
b) Discuss common threats to network security, including unauthorized access, malware, social engineering, and denial-of-service (DoS) attacks. Explain the potential impacts of these threats on business operations.
c) Describe essential security measures that organizations should implement to protect their networks, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), virtual private networks (VPNs), and access control mechanisms.
Part B: Cryptography
a) Explain the role of cryptography in network security. Discuss its fundamental objectives, including confidentiality, integrity, authentication, and non-repudiation.
b) Describe symmetric and asymmetric encryption algorithms. Compare and contrast their characteristics, advantages, and use cases.
c) Discuss the importance of key management in cryptographic systems. Explain key generation, distribution, storage, and revocation processes.
Fill in the order form and submit all your files, including instructions, rubrics, and other information given to you by your instructor.
Once you complete filling the forms, complete your payment. We will get the order and assign it to a writer.
When your order is completed, it’s assigned to an editor for approval. The editor approves the order.
Once approved, we will upload the order to your account for you to download. You can rate your writer or give your customer review.
