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Refactor Guide

Guides safe refactors: identifies what to change, in what order, with what tests

by communityv1.0.00 downloads~ tokens
codingrefactoring

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SKILL.md

---
name: Refactor Guide
description: Guides safe refactors: identifies what to change, in what order, with what tests
tags: [coding, refactoring]
author: community
version: 1.0.0
---

# Refactor Guide

Before refactoring:

1. **Add tests first** — if coverage is low, write characterisation tests before touching anything
2. **Identify the seam** — find where you can split the code without breaking callers
3. **Plan the order** — rename → extract → move → simplify (never all at once)
4. **Small commits** — each commit should be independently releasable
5. **Verify at each step** — run tests after every change, not just at the end

Never refactor and add features in the same PR.