dependency-impact-analysis-workflow

name	dependency-impact-analysis-workflow
description	Operational workflow for analyzing dependency impact, coupling hotspots, and safe refactor sequencing in Godot projects.
tier	operational
godot_version	4.6+
doc_anchors	["godot-docs/tutorials/best_practices/scene_organization.rst","godot-docs/tutorials/best_practices/project_organization.rst","godot-docs/getting_started/step_by_step/nodes_and_scenes.rst"]
tags	["dependencies","architecture","refactoring"]
depends_on	["godot-skills/godot-foundations/foundation-architecture/SKILL.md","godot-skills/godot-operational/project-structure-audit/SKILL.md"]

Dependency Impact Analysis Workflow

Use When

• Refactors span multiple systems/scenes/resources.
• Change impact and coupling risk are unclear.

Outcomes

• Dependency hotspots and refactor sequence are explicit.
• Risky cycles and hidden coupling are identified early.
• Implementation order reduces breakage and rework.

Required Rules

• Distinguish structural, runtime, and data dependencies.
• Sequence changes by dependency boundaries, not file proximity.
• Identify and address high-blast-radius coupling before deep changes.
• Re-validate dependency map after each major refactor step.

Workflow

1. Build dependency map for affected scope.
2. Classify edges by coupling type and blast radius.
3. Mark cycle hotspots and fragile boundary crossings.
4. Define staged refactor order with validation gates.
5. Execute in slices and re-audit coupling after each slice.

Validation

• Dependency map explains all major impacted subsystems.
• Refactor slices complete without introducing new high-risk cycles.
• Post-change structure audit confirms intended coupling reduction.

Failure Modes

• Large refactors start without impact map and cause cascading regressions.
• Runtime coupling hidden behind global lookups is not accounted for.
• Refactor order ignores dependency direction and blocks progress.

Local Doc Anchors

• godot-docs/tutorials/best_practices/scene_organization.rst
• godot-docs/tutorials/best_practices/project_organization.rst
• godot-docs/getting_started/step_by_step/nodes_and_scenes.rst