serena-refactor

name	serena-refactor
description	This skill should be used when the user asks to "rename function", "refactor code", "rename symbol across codebase", "change function signature", "restructure code safely", or mentions Serena's rename_symbol or replace_symbol_body tools.

Serena Safe Refactoring

Cross-Codebase Rename

rename_symbol(old_name="calcTax", new_name="calculate_tax")

• Updates ALL references automatically
• Works across files
• Handles imports/exports

Replace Function Body

replace_symbol_body(symbol_name="process_payment", new_body="...")

• Preserves function signature
• Safer than text replacement
• Maintains formatting

Pre-Refactoring Checklist

1. Check impact:

   find_referencing_symbols("function_to_change")
   

   Review all affected locations before changing.

2. Verify tests exist:

   find_symbol("test_function_to_change")
   

3. Run tests after:

   pytest tests/test_module.py -v
   

Common Patterns

Rename Function

find_referencing_symbols("old_name")  # Check impact
rename_symbol(old_name="old_name", new_name="new_name")
# Run tests

Replace Implementation

find_symbol("function_name", include_body=true)  # See current
replace_symbol_body("function_name", new_body="...")
# Run tests

Safety Notes

• Always check references before renaming
• Run tests after each refactoring step
• Document patterns in Serena memory for future reference