Last week, I embarked on a task that involved replacing an old Data Transfer Object (DTO) for a particular entity, along with its associated address and contact DTOs. The process of updating the DTO also required me to adjust the mappings inside the services, since the old DTO used manual mapping, which I switched to using AutoMapper.
Additionally, as I proceeded with the replacement of the old DTO, I also diligently worked in debug mode, resolving errors in parallel. This approach allowed me to identify and rectify any issues that arose during the transition to the new DTOs. By addressing errors promptly, I ensured a smoother and more efficient integration of the updated DTOs into the existing codebase.
During the initial stages, I was eager to replace multiple DTOs, believing it would lead to a more refined codebase. However, Mr. Peter’s cautioned me from this approach. He advised me to focus solely on the current entity’s DTO, cautioning against unnecessary complexities that might arise from altering multiple DTOs simultaneously. This guidance had helped me maintain a more targeted and manageable scope for the task.
As I delved deeper into the task, I realized the opportunity to optimize my code further. A comprehensive review of my DTO codes enabled me to identify and remove unnecessary DTOs that I had initially considered adding. Eliminating these extraneous DTOs, which added little value to the overall structure, resulted in a more concise and easier-to-maintain codebase.
Last but not least, the changes in DTOs prompted me to reassess the services in the application. I transitioned the service that was being called directly accessing the database to the ones which utilize API connections.