| name | rename |
| description | Safely rename symbols and identifiers with scope control, ambiguity checks, and post-rename verification. Use when renaming variables, functions, types, files, or API fields across one or many files, especially when consistency and low false-positive risk matter. |
Rename Workflow
Inputs
target: exact symbol or identifier to rename.replacement: new name.scope (optional): file, directory, package, module, or repo boundaries.
References
For complex tasks, invoke the $design and $lint skills for naming and intent consistency standards before applying large renames.
Method Selection
Use programmatic rename when all are true:
- At least 3 occurrences or multiple files.
- Pattern is unambiguous.
- Scope can be bounded safely.
Use manual rename when any are true:
- Only 1-2 occurrences.
- Pattern is ambiguous.
- Context-dependent edits are required.
Procedure
- Confirm target, replacement, and scope exactly.
- Discover occurrences and classify by confidence (safe vs ambiguous).
- Check for uncommitted changes and warn when rename will mix with unrelated edits.
- Apply rename with the chosen method.
- Verify no stale references remain.
- Run relevant tests/lint checks when available and proportionate.
- Report affected files and any residual risk.
Language-Specific Conventions
go: exported identifiers are PascalCase; unexported are camelCase; acronyms remain uppercase (ID, URL, HTTP).javascript/typescript: variables/functions camelCase, classes/components PascalCase, constants SCREAMING_SNAKE_CASE.python: functions/variables/modules snake_case, classes PascalCase, constants SCREAMING_SNAKE_CASE.rust: functions/modules snake_case, types/traits PascalCase, constants SCREAMING_SNAKE_CASE.
Safety Rules
- Avoid partial rename completion.
- Avoid replacing unrelated identifiers.
- Prefer symbol-aware tooling when available.
- Validate casing and naming conventions for the language.
Output Contract
- Rename plan (method, scope, risk notes).
- Rename execution summary (files, replacement count).
- Verification summary (search/tests/lint outcomes).
