How / if to refactor a Delphi program using only forms and data modules

Question

After years of coding Delphi programs as untestable code in forms and datamodules, including global variables, and the only classes are the forms themselves, containing all

Answer 1

Importing into Modelmaker is my first action when confronted with an existing Delphi project. Modelmaker will assist you in refactoring your code because:

• It graphically represents all the classes, methods, variables, etc.
• It is very tightly integrated in the Delphi IDE (main menu, popup menu, separate Modelmaker explorer, toolbar, keyboard shortcuts). This integration allows you to quickly perform the necessary actions without leaving the IDE
• It has a dedicated "refactoring" module allowing you to quickly create, move and rename classes and variables without having to worry about changing the underlying code. Modelmaker will automagically change names and references in all units.

The basic functionality of Modelmaker is easy to learn. Modelmaker is like any other good productivity tool - The more you put into it, the more you get out of it. Modelmaker is not free but easily pays for itself in increased productivity. I have not found a better tool for refactoring legacy Delphi code. They offer a free trial and some decent tutorial movies. Give Modelmaker a try and good luck...