snqb/dead-code-reaper

Dead Code Reaper

Find code that does nothing. Less code = Less complexity.

Capabilities

• Python: Uses vulture to find unused code.
• JS/TS: Uses ts-prune to find unused exports.
• Verification: Forces an agentic "Double Check" before reporting.

Tools

1. Scan Python

Finds unused code candidates in Python files.

# Install if missing
pip install vulture > /dev/null 2>&1

# Run scan (exclude tests and migrations by default)
vulture . --min-confidence 80 --exclude "tests/,migrations/,venv/,.venv/"

Output Interpretation:

• unused function 'foo'
• unused class 'Bar'
• Action: Treat these as suspects.

2. Scan TypeScript/JavaScript

Finds unused exports in TS/JS projects.

# Run with bunx (instant, no install needed)
bunx ts-prune | head -n 50

Workflow (The "Reaper Protocol")

1. Detect Suspects Run the scan tool for the language.

2. Verify (The "Double Check") Static analysis is often wrong (false positives). Before declaring code "dead," check for dynamic usage:

• String References: Search for the name in quotes (e.g., getattr(x, "my_func")).
• Framework Magic: Is it a Django view? A Pytest fixture? An API route? (These are often "unused" but vital).
• Entry Points: Is it main.py or cli.py?

3. Report Present the list of verified dead code.

## Dead Code Candidates

| File | Symbol | Confidence | Recommendation |
|------|--------|------------|----------------|
| `utils.py` | `old_helper` | High | 🗑️ Delete |
| `api.py` | `unused_handler` | Medium | ⚠️ Check URL conf |

Anti-Patterns

❌ Deleting without checking: Vulture is heuristic. It will be wrong. ❌ Ignoring API surfaces: Public libraries have "unused" functions that are meant for users. ❌ Removing "TODO" stubs: Empty functions might be placeholders.

Dependencies

• Python: vulture
• Node: ts-prune (via npx)