refactoring-code

Development

Improve code structure without changing behavior. Use when code is hard to read, modify, or test. Covers Extract Method, Rename, and other safe refactorings.

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Source SKILL.md: https://github.com/majiayu000/claude-skill-registry/blob/HEAD/skills/development/refactoring-code-dralgorhythm-claude-agentic-frame-e5f50668/SKILL.md

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Refactoring Code

MCP Tools

Serena (safe refactoring):

find_symbol — Locate refactoring targets
find_referencing_symbols — Find ALL usages before changes
rename_symbol — Rename across entire codebase safely
replace_symbol_body — Replace function implementations
get_symbols_overview — Understand module structure

The Refactoring Hat

When refactoring, you change structure without changing behavior. Always have tests passing before and after.

Workflows

Tests Green: Ensure all tests pass before starting
Analyze: Use Serena to understand dependencies
Small Steps: Make one small change at a time
Verify Usages: Use find_referencing_symbols before changes
Commit Often: Commit after each successful refactoring
Tests Green: Verify tests still pass after each change

Common Refactorings

Extract Method

When a code block does one thing, extract it to a named method.

Use find_referencing_symbols to verify extraction won't break callers
Extract the method
Run tests

Rename for Clarity

Names should reveal intent.

Use find_referencing_symbols to find ALL usages
Use rename_symbol for codebase-wide rename
Verify no missed references

Remove Dead Code

Use find_referencing_symbols to verify code is unused
If zero references, safe to remove
If references exist, trace to understand usage

Code Smells to Address

Long Method: Extract smaller methods
Long Parameter List: Introduce parameter object
Duplicate Code: Extract to shared function (use find_symbol to locate duplicates)
Feature Envy: Move method to the class it uses most
Data Clumps: Group related data into objects
Primitive Obsession: Replace primitives with value objects

Safety Rules

Never refactor and add features simultaneously
Always use find_referencing_symbols before removing/renaming
Run tests after every change
Use Serena's rename_symbol instead of find-replace
Commit working states frequently