kienbui1995/refactoring
skills/refactoring/SKILL.md
Use when improving code structure without changing behavior - extract methods, simplify conditionals, reduce duplication, improve naming
development
Updated Apr 24, 2026
$ install --global
skillsauthnpx skillsauth add kienbui1995/magic-powers refactoringInstall this skill globally with one command. Works with Claude Code, Cursor, and Windsurf.
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SKILL.md
- name:
- refactoring
- description:
- Use when improving code structure without changing behavior - extract methods, simplify conditionals, reduce duplication, improve naming
Code Refactoring
Overview
Refactoring improves code structure without changing external behavior. Every refactoring must be backed by passing tests.
Core principle: Small, safe, verified steps. Never refactor and add features simultaneously.
When to Use
- Code smells: long methods, deep nesting, duplicated logic, unclear naming
- Before adding features to messy code ("make the change easy, then make the easy change")
- After getting tests green — clean up before committing
- Tech debt reduction sprints
The Refactoring Loop
1. Ensure tests pass (green baseline)
2. Identify ONE smell
3. Apply ONE refactoring
4. Run tests → must stay green
5. Commit
6. Repeat
Common Refactorings by Smell
| Smell | Refactoring | |-------|-------------| | Long method (>20 lines) | Extract Method | | Deep nesting (>3 levels) | Early return / Guard clauses | | Duplicated code | Extract shared function/module | | Primitive obsession | Introduce value object/type | | Long parameter list (>3) | Introduce parameter object | | Feature envy | Move method to owning class | | God class | Extract class by responsibility | | Magic numbers/strings | Extract named constants | | Complex conditional | Extract to named boolean / strategy pattern | | Shotgun surgery | Consolidate into single module |
Safety Rules
- Tests first — no tests = no refactoring. Write characterization tests if none exist.
- One refactoring per commit — easy to revert if something breaks
- No behavior changes — if you're changing what code does, that's not refactoring
- Run tests after every step — not just at the end
- Use IDE tools — rename, extract, inline are safer automated
Red Flags — STOP
| Signal | Action | |--------|--------| | Tests failing after refactoring | Revert immediately, smaller step | | Refactoring + feature in same commit | Split into two commits | | "While I'm here, let me also..." | Finish current refactoring first | | No tests exist | Write characterization tests before touching code |
Integration
- magic-powers:test-driven-development — ensure test coverage before refactoring
- magic-powers:verification-before-completion — verify behavior unchanged after refactoring
- magic-powers:requesting-code-review — get review on significant refactors
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