Refactor
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AutoGineer summary
Written by AutoGineer from the skill’s own files, not by the author
Refactor provides a structured, step-by-step methodology for evolving existing codebases. It focuses on gradual improvements—such as extracting functions, improving type safety, and applying design patterns—to reduce technical debt and enhance readability. The skill emphasizes that refactoring is a distinct activity from feature development, requiring a foundation of existing tests and a commitment to preserving original functionality.
What it does
- Provides a checklist for identifying and fixing common code smells like long methods or duplicated logic.
- Outlines a safe, iterative process for making small, testable code changes.
- Demonstrates how to apply design patterns like Strategy or Chain of Responsibility to simplify complex logic.
- Guides the transition from untyped code to robust, type-safe implementations.
- Offers a comprehensive table of standard refactoring operations for quick reference.
- Establishes golden rules for safe refactoring, including the necessity of version control and test coverage.
When to use it
- When existing code is difficult to understand, maintain, or extend.
- When you need to break down large, monolithic functions or classes.
- When you want to eliminate code smells or replace magic numbers with named constants.
- When you need to improve type safety or encapsulate logic more effectively.
- When a user requests general code cleanup or structural improvements.
Advantages
- Reduces technical debt through incremental, low-risk changes.
- Improves code readability and long-term maintainability.
- Ensures functional parity by mandating test verification at every step.
- Promotes clean, modular architecture through standard design patterns.
- Prevents the introduction of bugs by enforcing small, isolated modifications.
Usage examples
- “Refactor this 200-line function that handles order processing into smaller, focused functions.”
- The agent will break the monolithic function into smaller, single-responsibility methods like fetchOrder, validateOrder, and updateInventory, improving readability and testability.
- “I have a lot of nested if-else statements in my validation logic. How can I clean this up?”
- The agent will suggest using guard clauses or early returns to flatten the logic, or potentially implementing a Chain of Responsibility pattern for cleaner validation.
- “Replace these magic numbers in my configuration with named constants.”
- The agent will identify the hardcoded values and define them as descriptive constants or enums, making the code self-documenting.
- “Help me move this logic from the Order class to the User class because it's a clear case of feature envy.”
- The agent will guide you through moving the specific methods to the User class, ensuring the data owner handles its own logic.
Install
Download the skill as a ZIP:
https://mp-staging.autogineer.com/agent-skills/github/refactor/downloadUnzip it into the cross-client skills folder of your project:
mkdir -p .agents/skills && unzip refactor.zip -d .agents/skills
Documentation by AungMyoKyaw
Refactor
Overview
Improve code structure and readability without changing external behavior. Refactoring is gradual evolution, not revolution. Use this for improving existing code, not rewriting from scratch.
When to Use
Use this skill when:
Code is hard to understand or maintain
Functions/classes are too large
Code smells need addressing
Adding features is difficult due to code structure
User asks "clean up this code", "refactor this", "improve this"
Refactoring Principles
The Golden Rules
Behavior is preserved - Refactoring doesn't change what the code does, only how
Small steps - Make tiny changes, test after each
Version control is your friend - Commit before and after each safe state
Tests are essential - Without tests, you're not refactoring, you're editing
One thing at a time - Don't mix refactoring with feature changes
When NOT to Refactor
- Code that works and won't change again (if it ain't broke...)
- Critical production code without tests (add tests first)
- When you're under a tight deadline
- "Just because" - need a clear purposeCommon Code Smells & Fixes
1. Long Method/Function
# BAD: 200-line function that does everything
- async function processOrder(orderId) {
- // 50 lines: fetch order
- // 30 lines: validate order
- // 40 lines: calculate pricing
- // 30 lines: update inventory
- // 20 lines: create shipment
- // 30 lines: send notifications
- }
# GOOD: Broken into focused functions
+ async function processOrder(orderId) {
+ const order = await fetchOrder(orderId);
+ validateOrder(order);
+ const pricing = calculatePricing(order);
+ await updateInventory(order);
+ const shipment = await createShipment(order);
+ await sendNotifications(order, pricing, shipment);
+ return { order, pricing, shipment };
+ }2. Duplicated Code
# BAD: Same logic in multiple places
- function calculateUserDiscount(user) {
- if (user.membership === 'gold') return user.total * 0.2;
- if (user.membership === 'silver') return user.total * 0.1;
- return 0;
- }
-
- function calculateOrderDiscount(order) {
- if (order.user.membership === 'gold') return order.total * 0.2;
- if (order.user.membership === 'silver') return order.total * 0.1;
- return 0;
- }
# GOOD: Extract common logic
+ function getMembershipDiscountRate(membership) {
+ const rates = { gold: 0.2, silver: 0.1 };
+ return rates[membership] || 0;
+ }
+
+ function calculateUserDiscount(user) {
+ return user.total * getMembershipDiscountRate(user.membership);
+ }
+
+ function calculateOrderDiscount(order) {
+ return order.total * getMembershipDiscountRate(order.user.membership);
+ }3. Large Class/Module
# BAD: God object that knows too much
- class UserManager {
- createUser() { /* ... */ }
- updateUser() { /* ... */ }
- deleteUser() { /* ... */ }
- sendEmail() { /* ... */ }
- generateReport() { /* ... */ }
- handlePayment() { /* ... */ }
- validateAddress() { /* ... */ }
- // 50 more methods...
- }
# GOOD: Single responsibility per class
+ class UserService {
+ create(data) { /* ... */ }
+ update(id, data) { /* ... */ }
+ delete(id) { /* ... */ }
+ }
+
+ class EmailService {
+ send(to, subject, body) { /* ... */ }
+ }
+
+ class ReportService {
+ generate(type, params) { /* ... */ }
+ }
+
+ class PaymentService {
+ process(amount, method) { /* ... */ }
+ }4. Long Parameter List
# BAD: Too many parameters
- function createUser(email, password, name, age, address, city, country, phone) {
- /* ... */
- }
# GOOD: Group related parameters
+ interface UserData {
+ email: string;
+ password: string;
+ name: string;
+ age?: number;
+ address?: Address;
+ phone?: string;
+ }
+
+ function createUser(data: UserData) {
+ /* ... */
+ }
# EVEN BETTER: Use builder pattern for complex construction
+ const user = UserBuilder
+ .email('[email protected]')
+ .password('secure123')
+ .name('Test User')
+ .address(address)
+ .build();5. Feature Envy
# BAD: Method that uses another object's data more than its own
- class Order {
- calculateDiscount(user) {
- if (user.membershipLevel === 'gold') {
+ return this.total * 0.2;
+ }
+ if (user.accountAge > 365) {
+ return this.total * 0.1;
+ }
+ return 0;
+ }
+ }
# GOOD: Move logic to the object that owns the data
+ class User {
+ getDiscountRate(orderTotal) {
+ if (this.membershipLevel === 'gold') return 0.2;
+ if (this.accountAge > 365) return 0.1;
+ return 0;
+ }
+ }
+
+ class Order {
+ calculateDiscount(user) {
+ return this.total * user.getDiscountRate(this.total);
+ }
+ }6. Primitive Obsession
# BAD: Using primitives for domain concepts
- function sendEmail(to, subject, body) { /* ... */ }
- sendEmail('[email protected]', 'Hello', '...');
- function createPhone(country, number) {
- return `${country}-${number}`;
- }
# GOOD: Use domain types
+ class Email {
+ private constructor(public readonly value: string) {
+ if (!Email.isValid(value)) throw new Error('Invalid email');
+ }
+ static create(value: string) { return new Email(value); }
+ static isValid(email: string) { return /^[^\s@]+@[^\s@]+\.[^\s@]+$/.test(email); }
+ }
+
+ class PhoneNumber {
+ constructor(
+ public readonly country: string,
+ public readonly number: string
+ ) {
+ if (!PhoneNumber.isValid(country, number)) throw new Error('Invalid phone');
+ }
+ toString() { return `${this.country}-${this.number}`; }
+ static isValid(country: string, number: string) { /* ... */ }
+ }
+
+ // Usage
+ const email = Email.create('[email protected]');
+ const phone = new PhoneNumber('1', '555-1234');7. Magic Numbers/Strings
# BAD: Unexplained values
- if (user.status === 2) { /* ... */ }
- const discount = total * 0.15;
- setTimeout(callback, 86400000);
# GOOD: Named constants
+ const UserStatus = {
+ ACTIVE: 1,
+ INACTIVE: 2,
+ SUSPENDED: 3
+ } as const;
+
+ const DISCOUNT_RATES = {
+ STANDARD: 0.1,
+ PREMIUM: 0.15,
+ VIP: 0.2
+ } as const;
+
+ const ONE_DAY_MS = 24 * 60 * 60 * 1000;
+
+ if (user.status === UserStatus.INACTIVE) { /* ... */ }
+ const discount = total * DISCOUNT_RATES.PREMIUM;
+ setTimeout(callback, ONE_DAY_MS);8. Nested Conditionals
# BAD: Arrow code
- function process(order) {
- if (order) {
- if (order.user) {
- if (order.user.isActive) {
- if (order.total > 0) {
- return processOrder(order);
+ } else {
+ return { error: 'Invalid total' };
+ }
+ } else {
+ return { error: 'User inactive' };
+ }
+ } else {
+ return { error: 'No user' };
+ }
+ } else {
+ return { error: 'No order' };
+ }
+ }
# GOOD: Guard clauses / early returns
+ function process(order) {
+ if (!order) return { error: 'No order' };
+ if (!order.user) return { error: 'No user' };
+ if (!order.user.isActive) return { error: 'User inactive' };
+ if (order.total <= 0) return { error: 'Invalid total' };
+ return processOrder(order);
+ }
# EVEN BETTER: Using Result type
+ function process(order): Result<ProcessedOrder, Error> {
+ return Result.combine([
+ validateOrderExists(order),
+ validateUserExists(order),
+ validateUserActive(order.user),
+ validateOrderTotal(order)
+ ]).flatMap(() => processOrder(order));
+ }9. Dead Code
# BAD: Unused code lingers
- function oldImplementation() { /* ... */ }
- const DEPRECATED_VALUE = 5;
- import { unusedThing } from './somewhere';
- // Commented out code
- // function oldCode() { /* ... */ }
# GOOD: Remove it
+ // Delete unused functions, imports, and commented code
+ // If you need it again, git history has it10. Inappropriate Intimacy
# BAD: One class reaches deep into another
- class OrderProcessor {
- process(order) {
- order.user.profile.address.street; // Too intimate
- order.repository.connection.config; // Breaking encapsulation
+ }
+ }
# GOOD: Ask, don't tell
+ class OrderProcessor {
+ process(order) {
+ order.getShippingAddress(); // Order knows how to get it
+ order.save(); // Order knows how to save itself
+ }
+ }Extract Method Refactoring
Before and After
# Before: One long function
- function printReport(users) {
- console.log('USER REPORT');
- console.log('============');
- console.log('');
- console.log(`Total users: ${users.length}`);
- console.log('');
- console.log('ACTIVE USERS');
- console.log('------------');
- const active = users.filter(u => u.isActive);
- active.forEach(u => {
- console.log(`- ${u.name} (${u.email})`);
- });
- console.log('');
- console.log(`Active: ${active.length}`);
- console.log('');
- console.log('INACTIVE USERS');
- console.log('--------------');
- const inactive = users.filter(u => !u.isActive);
- inactive.forEach(u => {
- console.log(`- ${u.name} (${u.email})`);
- });
- console.log('');
- console.log(`Inactive: ${inactive.length}`);
- }
# After: Extracted methods
+ function printReport(users) {
+ printHeader('USER REPORT');
+ console.log(`Total users: ${users.length}\n`);
+ printUserSection('ACTIVE USERS', users.filter(u => u.isActive));
+ printUserSection('INACTIVE USERS', users.filter(u => !u.isActive));
+ }
+
+ function printHeader(title) {
+ const line = '='.repeat(title.length);
+ console.log(title);
+ console.log(line);
+ console.log('');
+ }
+
+ function printUserSection(title, users) {
+ console.log(title);
+ console.log('-'.repeat(title.length));
+ users.forEach(u => console.log(`- ${u.name} (${u.email})`));
+ console.log('');
+ console.log(`${title.split(' ')[0]}: ${users.length}`);
+ console.log('');
+ }Introducing Type Safety
From Untyped to Typed
# Before: No types
- function calculateDiscount(user, total, membership, date) {
- if (membership === 'gold' && date.getDay() === 5) {
- return total * 0.25;
- }
- if (membership === 'gold') return total * 0.2;
- return total * 0.1;
- }
# After: Full type safety
+ type Membership = 'bronze' | 'silver' | 'gold';
+
+ interface User {
+ id: string;
+ name: string;
+ membership: Membership;
+ }
+
+ interface DiscountResult {
+ original: number;
+ discount: number;
+ final: number;
+ rate: number;
+ }
+
+ function calculateDiscount(
+ user: User,
+ total: number,
+ date: Date = new Date()
+ ): DiscountResult {
+ if (total < 0) throw new Error('Total cannot be negative');
+
+ let rate = 0.1; // Default bronze
+
+ if (user.membership === 'gold' && date.getDay() === 5) {
+ rate = 0.25; // Friday bonus for gold
+ } else if (user.membership === 'gold') {
+ rate = 0.2;
+ } else if (user.membership === 'silver') {
+ rate = 0.15;
+ }
+
+ const discount = total * rate;
+
+ return {
+ original: total,
+ discount,
+ final: total - discount,
+ rate
+ };
+ }Design Patterns for Refactoring
Strategy Pattern
# Before: Conditional logic
- function calculateShipping(order, method) {
- if (method === 'standard') {
- return order.total > 50 ? 0 : 5.99;
- } else if (method === 'express') {
- return order.total > 100 ? 9.99 : 14.99;
+ } else if (method === 'overnight') {
+ return 29.99;
+ }
+ }
# After: Strategy pattern
+ interface ShippingStrategy {
+ calculate(order: Order): number;
+ }
+
+ class StandardShipping implements ShippingStrategy {
+ calculate(order: Order) {
+ return order.total > 50 ? 0 : 5.99;
+ }
+ }
+
+ class ExpressShipping implements ShippingStrategy {
+ calculate(order: Order) {
+ return order.total > 100 ? 9.99 : 14.99;
+ }
+ }
+
+ class OvernightShipping implements ShippingStrategy {
+ calculate(order: Order) {
+ return 29.99;
+ }
+ }
+
+ function calculateShipping(order: Order, strategy: ShippingStrategy) {
+ return strategy.calculate(order);
+ }Chain of Responsibility
# Before: Nested validation
- function validate(user) {
- const errors = [];
- if (!user.email) errors.push('Email required');
+ else if (!isValidEmail(user.email)) errors.push('Invalid email');
+ if (!user.name) errors.push('Name required');
+ if (user.age < 18) errors.push('Must be 18+');
+ if (user.country === 'blocked') errors.push('Country not supported');
+ return errors;
+ }
# After: Chain of responsibility
+ abstract class Validator {
+ abstract validate(user: User): string | null;
+ setNext(validator: Validator): Validator {
+ this.next = validator;
+ return validator;
+ }
+ validate(user: User): string | null {
+ const error = this.doValidate(user);
+ if (error) return error;
+ return this.next?.validate(user) ?? null;
+ }
+ }
+
+ class EmailRequiredValidator extends Validator {
+ doValidate(user: User) {
+ return !user.email ? 'Email required' : null;
+ }
+ }
+
+ class EmailFormatValidator extends Validator {
+ doValidate(user: User) {
+ return user.email && !isValidEmail(user.email) ? 'Invalid email' : null;
+ }
+ }
+
+ // Build the chain
+ const validator = new EmailRequiredValidator()
+ .setNext(new EmailFormatValidator())
+ .setNext(new NameRequiredValidator())
+ .setNext(new AgeValidator())
+ .setNext(new CountryValidator());Refactoring Steps
Safe Refactoring Process
1. PREPARE
- Ensure tests exist (write them if missing)
- Commit current state
- Create feature branch
2. IDENTIFY
- Find the code smell to address
- Understand what the code does
- Plan the refactoring
3. REFACTOR (small steps)
- Make one small change
- Run tests
- Commit if tests pass
- Repeat
4. VERIFY
- All tests pass
- Manual testing if needed
- Performance unchanged or improved
5. CLEAN UP
- Update comments
- Update documentation
- Final commitRefactoring Checklist
Code Quality
[ ] Functions are small (< 50 lines)
[ ] Functions do one thing
[ ] No duplicated code
[ ] Descriptive names (variables, functions, classes)
[ ] No magic numbers/strings
[ ] Dead code removed
Structure
[ ] Related code is together
[ ] Clear module boundaries
[ ] Dependencies flow in one direction
[ ] No circular dependencies
Type Safety
[ ] Types defined for all public APIs
[ ] No
anytypes without justification[ ] Nullable types explicitly marked
Testing
[ ] Refactored code is tested
[ ] Tests cover edge cases
[ ] All tests pass
Common Refactoring Operations
| Operation | Description |
|---|---|
| Extract Method | Turn code fragment into method |
| Extract Class | Move behavior to new class |
| Extract Interface | Create interface from implementation |
| Inline Method | Move method body back to caller |
| Inline Class | Move class behavior to caller |
| Pull Up Method | Move method to superclass |
| Push Down Method | Move method to subclass |
| Rename Method/Variable | Improve clarity |
| Introduce Parameter Object | Group related parameters |
| Replace Conditional with Polymorphism | Use polymorphism instead of switch/if |
| Replace Magic Number with Constant | Named constants |
| Decompose Conditional | Break complex conditions |
| Consolidate Conditional | Combine duplicate conditions |
| Replace Nested Conditional with Guard Clauses | Early returns |
| Introduce Null Object | Eliminate null checks |
| Replace Type Code with Class/Enum | Strong typing |
| Replace Inheritance with Delegation | Composition over inheritance |
Files
- ATTRIBUTION.mdAdded by AutoGineer812 B
- LICENSELicence file added by AutoGineer1.0 KiB
- SKILL.md16.4 KiB
SKILL.md
Refactor
Overview
Improve code structure and readability without changing external behavior. Refactoring is gradual evolution, not revolution. Use this for improving existing code, not rewriting from scratch.
When to Use
Use this skill when:
Code is hard to understand or maintain
Functions/classes are too large
Code smells need addressing
Adding features is difficult due to code structure
User asks "clean up this code", "refactor this", "improve this"
Refactoring Principles
The Golden Rules
Behavior is preserved - Refactoring doesn't change what the code does, only how
Small steps - Make tiny changes, test after each
Version control is your friend - Commit before and after each safe state
Tests are essential - Without tests, you're not refactoring, you're editing
One thing at a time - Don't mix refactoring with feature changes
When NOT to Refactor
- Code that works and won't change again (if it ain't broke...)
- Critical production code without tests (add tests first)
- When you're under a tight deadline
- "Just because" - need a clear purposeCommon Code Smells & Fixes
1. Long Method/Function
# BAD: 200-line function that does everything
- async function processOrder(orderId) {
- // 50 lines: fetch order
- // 30 lines: validate order
- // 40 lines: calculate pricing
- // 30 lines: update inventory
- // 20 lines: create shipment
- // 30 lines: send notifications
- }
# GOOD: Broken into focused functions
+ async function processOrder(orderId) {
+ const order = await fetchOrder(orderId);
+ validateOrder(order);
+ const pricing = calculatePricing(order);
+ await updateInventory(order);
+ const shipment = await createShipment(order);
+ await sendNotifications(order, pricing, shipment);
+ return { order, pricing, shipment };
+ }2. Duplicated Code
# BAD: Same logic in multiple places
- function calculateUserDiscount(user) {
- if (user.membership === 'gold') return user.total * 0.2;
- if (user.membership === 'silver') return user.total * 0.1;
- return 0;
- }
-
- function calculateOrderDiscount(order) {
- if (order.user.membership === 'gold') return order.total * 0.2;
- if (order.user.membership === 'silver') return order.total * 0.1;
- return 0;
- }
# GOOD: Extract common logic
+ function getMembershipDiscountRate(membership) {
+ const rates = { gold: 0.2, silver: 0.1 };
+ return rates[membership] || 0;
+ }
+
+ function calculateUserDiscount(user) {
+ return user.total * getMembershipDiscountRate(user.membership);
+ }
+
+ function calculateOrderDiscount(order) {
+ return order.total * getMembershipDiscountRate(order.user.membership);
+ }3. Large Class/Module
# BAD: God object that knows too much
- class UserManager {
- createUser() { /* ... */ }
- updateUser() { /* ... */ }
- deleteUser() { /* ... */ }
- sendEmail() { /* ... */ }
- generateReport() { /* ... */ }
- handlePayment() { /* ... */ }
- validateAddress() { /* ... */ }
- // 50 more methods...
- }
# GOOD: Single responsibility per class
+ class UserService {
+ create(data) { /* ... */ }
+ update(id, data) { /* ... */ }
+ delete(id) { /* ... */ }
+ }
+
+ class EmailService {
+ send(to, subject, body) { /* ... */ }
+ }
+
+ class ReportService {
+ generate(type, params) { /* ... */ }
+ }
+
+ class PaymentService {
+ process(amount, method) { /* ... */ }
+ }4. Long Parameter List
# BAD: Too many parameters
- function createUser(email, password, name, age, address, city, country, phone) {
- /* ... */
- }
# GOOD: Group related parameters
+ interface UserData {
+ email: string;
+ password: string;
+ name: string;
+ age?: number;
+ address?: Address;
+ phone?: string;
+ }
+
+ function createUser(data: UserData) {
+ /* ... */
+ }
# EVEN BETTER: Use builder pattern for complex construction
+ const user = UserBuilder
+ .email('[email protected]')
+ .password('secure123')
+ .name('Test User')
+ .address(address)
+ .build();5. Feature Envy
# BAD: Method that uses another object's data more than its own
- class Order {
- calculateDiscount(user) {
- if (user.membershipLevel === 'gold') {
+ return this.total * 0.2;
+ }
+ if (user.accountAge > 365) {
+ return this.total * 0.1;
+ }
+ return 0;
+ }
+ }
# GOOD: Move logic to the object that owns the data
+ class User {
+ getDiscountRate(orderTotal) {
+ if (this.membershipLevel === 'gold') return 0.2;
+ if (this.accountAge > 365) return 0.1;
+ return 0;
+ }
+ }
+
+ class Order {
+ calculateDiscount(user) {
+ return this.total * user.getDiscountRate(this.total);
+ }
+ }6. Primitive Obsession
# BAD: Using primitives for domain concepts
- function sendEmail(to, subject, body) { /* ... */ }
- sendEmail('[email protected]', 'Hello', '...');
- function createPhone(country, number) {
- return `${country}-${number}`;
- }
# GOOD: Use domain types
+ class Email {
+ private constructor(public readonly value: string) {
+ if (!Email.isValid(value)) throw new Error('Invalid email');
+ }
+ static create(value: string) { return new Email(value); }
+ static isValid(email: string) { return /^[^\s@]+@[^\s@]+\.[^\s@]+$/.test(email); }
+ }
+
+ class PhoneNumber {
+ constructor(
+ public readonly country: string,
+ public readonly number: string
+ ) {
+ if (!PhoneNumber.isValid(country, number)) throw new Error('Invalid phone');
+ }
+ toString() { return `${this.country}-${this.number}`; }
+ static isValid(country: string, number: string) { /* ... */ }
+ }
+
+ // Usage
+ const email = Email.create('[email protected]');
+ const phone = new PhoneNumber('1', '555-1234');7. Magic Numbers/Strings
# BAD: Unexplained values
- if (user.status === 2) { /* ... */ }
- const discount = total * 0.15;
- setTimeout(callback, 86400000);
# GOOD: Named constants
+ const UserStatus = {
+ ACTIVE: 1,
+ INACTIVE: 2,
+ SUSPENDED: 3
+ } as const;
+
+ const DISCOUNT_RATES = {
+ STANDARD: 0.1,
+ PREMIUM: 0.15,
+ VIP: 0.2
+ } as const;
+
+ const ONE_DAY_MS = 24 * 60 * 60 * 1000;
+
+ if (user.status === UserStatus.INACTIVE) { /* ... */ }
+ const discount = total * DISCOUNT_RATES.PREMIUM;
+ setTimeout(callback, ONE_DAY_MS);8. Nested Conditionals
# BAD: Arrow code
- function process(order) {
- if (order) {
- if (order.user) {
- if (order.user.isActive) {
- if (order.total > 0) {
- return processOrder(order);
+ } else {
+ return { error: 'Invalid total' };
+ }
+ } else {
+ return { error: 'User inactive' };
+ }
+ } else {
+ return { error: 'No user' };
+ }
+ } else {
+ return { error: 'No order' };
+ }
+ }
# GOOD: Guard clauses / early returns
+ function process(order) {
+ if (!order) return { error: 'No order' };
+ if (!order.user) return { error: 'No user' };
+ if (!order.user.isActive) return { error: 'User inactive' };
+ if (order.total <= 0) return { error: 'Invalid total' };
+ return processOrder(order);
+ }
# EVEN BETTER: Using Result type
+ function process(order): Result<ProcessedOrder, Error> {
+ return Result.combine([
+ validateOrderExists(order),
+ validateUserExists(order),
+ validateUserActive(order.user),
+ validateOrderTotal(order)
+ ]).flatMap(() => processOrder(order));
+ }9. Dead Code
# BAD: Unused code lingers
- function oldImplementation() { /* ... */ }
- const DEPRECATED_VALUE = 5;
- import { unusedThing } from './somewhere';
- // Commented out code
- // function oldCode() { /* ... */ }
# GOOD: Remove it
+ // Delete unused functions, imports, and commented code
+ // If you need it again, git history has it10. Inappropriate Intimacy
# BAD: One class reaches deep into another
- class OrderProcessor {
- process(order) {
- order.user.profile.address.street; // Too intimate
- order.repository.connection.config; // Breaking encapsulation
+ }
+ }
# GOOD: Ask, don't tell
+ class OrderProcessor {
+ process(order) {
+ order.getShippingAddress(); // Order knows how to get it
+ order.save(); // Order knows how to save itself
+ }
+ }Extract Method Refactoring
Before and After
# Before: One long function
- function printReport(users) {
- console.log('USER REPORT');
- console.log('============');
- console.log('');
- console.log(`Total users: ${users.length}`);
- console.log('');
- console.log('ACTIVE USERS');
- console.log('------------');
- const active = users.filter(u => u.isActive);
- active.forEach(u => {
- console.log(`- ${u.name} (${u.email})`);
- });
- console.log('');
- console.log(`Active: ${active.length}`);
- console.log('');
- console.log('INACTIVE USERS');
- console.log('--------------');
- const inactive = users.filter(u => !u.isActive);
- inactive.forEach(u => {
- console.log(`- ${u.name} (${u.email})`);
- });
- console.log('');
- console.log(`Inactive: ${inactive.length}`);
- }
# After: Extracted methods
+ function printReport(users) {
+ printHeader('USER REPORT');
+ console.log(`Total users: ${users.length}\n`);
+ printUserSection('ACTIVE USERS', users.filter(u => u.isActive));
+ printUserSection('INACTIVE USERS', users.filter(u => !u.isActive));
+ }
+
+ function printHeader(title) {
+ const line = '='.repeat(title.length);
+ console.log(title);
+ console.log(line);
+ console.log('');
+ }
+
+ function printUserSection(title, users) {
+ console.log(title);
+ console.log('-'.repeat(title.length));
+ users.forEach(u => console.log(`- ${u.name} (${u.email})`));
+ console.log('');
+ console.log(`${title.split(' ')[0]}: ${users.length}`);
+ console.log('');
+ }Introducing Type Safety
From Untyped to Typed
# Before: No types
- function calculateDiscount(user, total, membership, date) {
- if (membership === 'gold' && date.getDay() === 5) {
- return total * 0.25;
- }
- if (membership === 'gold') return total * 0.2;
- return total * 0.1;
- }
# After: Full type safety
+ type Membership = 'bronze' | 'silver' | 'gold';
+
+ interface User {
+ id: string;
+ name: string;
+ membership: Membership;
+ }
+
+ interface DiscountResult {
+ original: number;
+ discount: number;
+ final: number;
+ rate: number;
+ }
+
+ function calculateDiscount(
+ user: User,
+ total: number,
+ date: Date = new Date()
+ ): DiscountResult {
+ if (total < 0) throw new Error('Total cannot be negative');
+
+ let rate = 0.1; // Default bronze
+
+ if (user.membership === 'gold' && date.getDay() === 5) {
+ rate = 0.25; // Friday bonus for gold
+ } else if (user.membership === 'gold') {
+ rate = 0.2;
+ } else if (user.membership === 'silver') {
+ rate = 0.15;
+ }
+
+ const discount = total * rate;
+
+ return {
+ original: total,
+ discount,
+ final: total - discount,
+ rate
+ };
+ }Design Patterns for Refactoring
Strategy Pattern
# Before: Conditional logic
- function calculateShipping(order, method) {
- if (method === 'standard') {
- return order.total > 50 ? 0 : 5.99;
- } else if (method === 'express') {
- return order.total > 100 ? 9.99 : 14.99;
+ } else if (method === 'overnight') {
+ return 29.99;
+ }
+ }
# After: Strategy pattern
+ interface ShippingStrategy {
+ calculate(order: Order): number;
+ }
+
+ class StandardShipping implements ShippingStrategy {
+ calculate(order: Order) {
+ return order.total > 50 ? 0 : 5.99;
+ }
+ }
+
+ class ExpressShipping implements ShippingStrategy {
+ calculate(order: Order) {
+ return order.total > 100 ? 9.99 : 14.99;
+ }
+ }
+
+ class OvernightShipping implements ShippingStrategy {
+ calculate(order: Order) {
+ return 29.99;
+ }
+ }
+
+ function calculateShipping(order: Order, strategy: ShippingStrategy) {
+ return strategy.calculate(order);
+ }Chain of Responsibility
# Before: Nested validation
- function validate(user) {
- const errors = [];
- if (!user.email) errors.push('Email required');
+ else if (!isValidEmail(user.email)) errors.push('Invalid email');
+ if (!user.name) errors.push('Name required');
+ if (user.age < 18) errors.push('Must be 18+');
+ if (user.country === 'blocked') errors.push('Country not supported');
+ return errors;
+ }
# After: Chain of responsibility
+ abstract class Validator {
+ abstract validate(user: User): string | null;
+ setNext(validator: Validator): Validator {
+ this.next = validator;
+ return validator;
+ }
+ validate(user: User): string | null {
+ const error = this.doValidate(user);
+ if (error) return error;
+ return this.next?.validate(user) ?? null;
+ }
+ }
+
+ class EmailRequiredValidator extends Validator {
+ doValidate(user: User) {
+ return !user.email ? 'Email required' : null;
+ }
+ }
+
+ class EmailFormatValidator extends Validator {
+ doValidate(user: User) {
+ return user.email && !isValidEmail(user.email) ? 'Invalid email' : null;
+ }
+ }
+
+ // Build the chain
+ const validator = new EmailRequiredValidator()
+ .setNext(new EmailFormatValidator())
+ .setNext(new NameRequiredValidator())
+ .setNext(new AgeValidator())
+ .setNext(new CountryValidator());Refactoring Steps
Safe Refactoring Process
1. PREPARE
- Ensure tests exist (write them if missing)
- Commit current state
- Create feature branch
2. IDENTIFY
- Find the code smell to address
- Understand what the code does
- Plan the refactoring
3. REFACTOR (small steps)
- Make one small change
- Run tests
- Commit if tests pass
- Repeat
4. VERIFY
- All tests pass
- Manual testing if needed
- Performance unchanged or improved
5. CLEAN UP
- Update comments
- Update documentation
- Final commitRefactoring Checklist
Code Quality
[ ] Functions are small (< 50 lines)
[ ] Functions do one thing
[ ] No duplicated code
[ ] Descriptive names (variables, functions, classes)
[ ] No magic numbers/strings
[ ] Dead code removed
Structure
[ ] Related code is together
[ ] Clear module boundaries
[ ] Dependencies flow in one direction
[ ] No circular dependencies
Type Safety
[ ] Types defined for all public APIs
[ ] No
anytypes without justification[ ] Nullable types explicitly marked
Testing
[ ] Refactored code is tested
[ ] Tests cover edge cases
[ ] All tests pass
Common Refactoring Operations
| Operation | Description |
|---|---|
| Extract Method | Turn code fragment into method |
| Extract Class | Move behavior to new class |
| Extract Interface | Create interface from implementation |
| Inline Method | Move method body back to caller |
| Inline Class | Move class behavior to caller |
| Pull Up Method | Move method to superclass |
| Push Down Method | Move method to subclass |
| Rename Method/Variable | Improve clarity |
| Introduce Parameter Object | Group related parameters |
| Replace Conditional with Polymorphism | Use polymorphism instead of switch/if |
| Replace Magic Number with Constant | Named constants |
| Decompose Conditional | Break complex conditions |
| Consolidate Conditional | Combine duplicate conditions |
| Replace Nested Conditional with Guard Clauses | Early returns |
| Introduce Null Object | Eliminate null checks |
| Replace Type Code with Class/Enum | Strong typing |
| Replace Inheritance with Delegation | Composition over inheritance |
Requirements and compatibility
Written for: GitHub Copilot
Works with: Claude Code, Claude apps, OpenAI Codex, GitHub Copilot, Cursor, Gemini CLI, Kiro, OpenCode, Goose, Amp, Roo Code, JetBrains Junie, Factory Droid, Devin (ex-Windsurf), Mistral Vibe, OpenHands, Letta
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Attribution and licence
- First committed by
AungMyoKyaw
- Publisher
- GitHub (Official)
- Distributed by
- GitHub
- Source
- github/awesome-copilot · skills/refactor · commit 797337f
- Licence
- MIT License (redistribution allowed)
- LICENSE (added by AutoGineer from LICENSE)
- ATTRIBUTION.md (written by AutoGineer)
- Synced
- Contributors
- AungMyoKyaw, jeremykohn
AutoGineer is not affiliated with or endorsed by AungMyoKyaw or GitHub.
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