refactor

name	refactor
description	Code refactoring best practices based on Martin Fowler's catalog and Clean Code principles (formerly refactoring). This skill should be used when refactoring existing code, improving code structure, reducing complexity, eliminating code smells, or reviewing code for maintainability. Triggers on tasks involving extract method, rename, decompose conditional, reduce coupling, or improve readability.

Fowler/Martin Code Refactoring Best Practices

Comprehensive code refactoring guide based on Martin Fowler's catalog and Clean Code principles, designed for AI agents and LLMs. Contains 43 rules across 8 categories, prioritized by impact to guide automated refactoring and code generation.

When to Apply

Reference these guidelines when:

• Refactoring existing code to improve maintainability
• Decomposing long methods or large classes
• Reducing coupling between components
• Simplifying complex conditional logic
• Reviewing code for code smells and anti-patterns

Rule Categories by Priority

Priority	Category	Impact	Prefix
1	Structure & Decomposition	CRITICAL	struct-
2	Coupling & Dependencies	CRITICAL	couple-
3	Naming & Clarity	HIGH	name-
4	Conditional Logic	HIGH	cond-
5	Abstraction & Patterns	MEDIUM-HIGH	pattern-
6