refactor

name	refactor
description	Review and refactor code within a specified scope. Use when the user asks to clean up, simplify, reduce duplication, remove dead code, or improve code quality in a file, module, or broader area of the codebase.

Refactor

Input

• A file, module, package, feature, diff, or project area to refactor.
• Use explicit input first; otherwise infer from context, recent edits, selected files, or branch.
• Safest default: ask before refactoring the whole project.

Workflow

1. Confirm input. If no input is provided or implied, confirm before refactoring the entire project.
2. Identify surface. Find files and direct dependencies that may need review or change.
3. Run baseline checks. Use available tests, typecheck, lint, or build commands for the scope. Note missing or failing tooling.
4. Identify refactors:
   • Dead code: unused functions, branches, flags, adapters, and stale comments/docs.
   • Duplication: repeated logic, validation, mapping, and query patterns.
   • Unnecessary complexity: deep nesting, mixed responsibilities, ambiguous naming, and over-abstraction.
   • Evidence-backed optimization: hot loops, N+1 queries, repeated expensive work.
5. Plan changes. Confirm when changes may affect behavior or remove intentional code.
6. Apply safe changes incrementally. Prefer small, reviewable edits.
7. Validate behavior:
   • Re-run available baseline checks plus targeted tests for touched areas.
   • Ensure no accidental API, schema, or side-effect regressions.

Output

• Input reviewed
• Refactors applied
• Behavior preserved or intentionally changed
• Validation run
• Remaining risks or follow-up work

Guardrails

• Do not change behavior to satisfy style preferences alone.
• Do not remove intentional features without confirmation.
• Do not introduce broad rewrites when focused refactors solve the problem.
• Keep type boundaries strict; avoid loose typing unless narrowly justified.