| name | complexity-reducer |
| description | Techniques and patterns for reducing code complexity while maintaining functionality. |
| category | refactoring |
| version | 1 |
Complexity Reducer
Purpose
Identify and eliminate unnecessary complexity in code.
Complexity Indicators
Cognitive Complexity
- Nested conditionals > 3 levels
- Multiple boolean operators in one condition
- Recursion without clear base case
- Switch statements with > 5 cases
Cyclomatic Complexity
- Functions with > 10 decision points
- Deep inheritance chains
- Excessive use of polymorphism for simple cases
Essential vs Accidental Complexity
- Essential: Domain complexity (keep)
- Accidental: Code structure complexity (reduce)
Reduction Patterns
1. Extract Method
- Split large functions into smaller, named functions
- Each function should do ONE thing
2. Replace Conditional with Polymorphism
- When same condition appears in multiple places
- Strategy pattern for algorithms
3. Decompose Conditional
- Extract condition to well-named function
- Extract then/else branches to separate functions
4. Consolidate Conditional
- Multiple conditions leading to same result
Metrics Target
- Cyclomatic complexity < 10 per function
- Functions < 50 lines
- Nesting depth < 3
