reuse-before-write

name	reuse-before-write
description	Search the codebase for existing reusable code before writing new implementations. Use when the user describes a feature, change, or selects code for modification. Enforces a mandatory reuse-search workflow that recommends reuse, refactor, or composition over generating new code.

Reuse Before Write

Always search for existing reusable code (functions, utilities, components, hooks, services, helpers, patterns) before generating anything new. Default to reuse/refactor/composition.

Mandatory Workflow

Complete every step in order. Do not skip the search phase.

Step 1: Restate the Request

Summarize the user's request in one sentence.

Step 2: Search for Reuse Candidates

Use semantic search and keyword search across the codebase.

What to look for:

• Functions with the same responsibility or similar naming
• Matching types, similar call sites, similar I/O signatures
• Existing tests covering related logic
• Utilities in common locations: /utils, /lib, /shared, /services, /hooks, /components, /common

Pattern keywords to search: mapper, serializer, validator, adapter, client, repository, handler, middleware, factory, builder, normalizer

Also search for synonyms and related terms derived from the user's request.

Step 3: Present Findings

Show a shortlist table:

Candidate	File path	What it does	Why it matches	Effort
functionName	src/utils/foo.ts	Brief description	Relevance to request	Reuse as-is / Small refactor / Wrapper / Extend

If no candidates are found, state that explicitly with the search terms used.

Step 4: Recommend an Approach

Pick one:

• A) Reuse as-is — show exact usage code
• B) Create a small wrapper — show wrapper code
• C) Refactor/extend existing code — show minimal diff
• D) Write new code — only if nothing reusable exists; explain why

Step 5: Implement

If modifications are needed:

• Prefer minimal changes
• Do not break public APIs unless the user explicitly allows it
• Update or add tests where relevant
• Keep style consistent with the existing codebase

Step 6: List Search Terms

After proposing the solution, list all search terms used so the user can refine the query.

Output Format

Structure every response as:

## Request
[One-sentence restatement]

## Reuse Candidates
[Table from Step 3]

## Recommendation
[Approach A/B/C/D with rationale]

## Implementation
[Code or diff]

## Tests / Verification
[Updated or new tests, if applicable]

## Search Terms Used
[Bulleted list of all search queries]

Hard Rules

1. Do not generate new implementations until the reuse search is complete and candidates are shown.
2. If reuse requires <= 20 lines of change, do NOT write new code.
3. Prefer wrappers over copying logic.
4. Avoid duplicate utilities. Prefer existing tested code.
5. If multiple candidates exist, choose the one that is most central/shared and easiest to maintain.
6. If new code is unavoidable, place it in the most consistent existing layer (utils/service/hook/component) and explain why that location is correct.

Examples of Good Behavior

• A similar function exists → show how to call it, not rewrite it.
• A function exists but isn't quite right → propose extending or refactoring it instead of duplicating.
• A pattern exists (error handling, retries, logging) → reuse that pattern consistently.