code-simplifier

---

name: code-simplifier description: Use after coding sessions or before commits to analyze recently modified code for simplification opportunities. Two-phase process: generate suggestions, then spawn a Staff Engineer reviewer to validate before presenting recommendations. Do not make code changes — analyze and report only.

Code Simplifier

Analyzes recently modified code for simplification opportunities with mandatory peer review of suggestions.

Purpose: Reduce unnecessary complexity without changing behavior.

When to use:

• At the end of coding sessions
• Before creating commits
• Before code review
• When code has become overly complex

DO NOT make any code changes. Only analyze and report.

Process

Phase 1: Generate Suggestions

1. Identify recently modified files:

   git status --short
   git diff --name-only HEAD~3
   

2. Analyze each file for:

   • Unnecessary complexity and nesting
   • Redundant code
   • Poor variable/function names
   • Dead code
   • Language-specific anti-patterns

3. Document suggestions:

   ### [filename]
   
   **Issues found:** [count]
   
   1. [Line X]: [Description of issue]
      - Current: `[code snippet]`
      - Suggested: `[improved code]`
   

Phase 2: Peer Review (MANDATORY)

After generating suggestions, spawn a reviewer subagent to validate each one. Not all "simplifications" are improvements.

Reviewer instructions:

For EACH suggestion:

1. Verify the claim — Read the actual code. Is the issue real?
2. Evaluate the fix — Does it introduce new problems?
3. Assign a verdict — APPROVE, REJECT, or MODIFY

Rejection heuristics:

REJECT if:

• Only 2 occurrences of "duplication" (rule of three — wait for 3+)
• Abstraction would require complex parameters
• Context is intentionally different across "duplicates"
• The "fix" trades one complexity for another
• Current code is idiomatic for the framework
• Nested ternary is actually readable in context

APPROVE if:

• Confirmed dead code (unreachable branches)
• Genuine unused functions/variables
• 3+ identical patterns that could share a helper
• Clear bug or logic error

MODIFY if:

• Valid issue but wrong solution proposed

Phase 3: Present Final Report

## Code Simplification Report

### Suggestions

[Phase 1 analysis]

### Review Verdicts

| # | Suggestion | Verdict | Action |
|---|------------|---------|--------|
| 1 | ... | APPROVE | ... |
| 2 | ... | REJECT | Keep as-is |

### Final Recommendations

Only APPROVED and MODIFIED items are actionable.

Integration with Pre-Commit Workflow

1. RUN TESTS
2. RUN TYPECHECK
3. CODE SIMPLIFIER     ← This skill (analyze + review)
4. IMPLEMENT approved changes only
5. CODE REVIEW
6. RE-RUN TESTS
7. COMMIT