gh-linus-mcmanamey-unify-2-1-plugin/commands/refactor-code.md

Intelligently Refactor and Improve Code Quality

Intelligently refactor and improve code quality

Instructions

Follow this systematic approach to refactor code: $ARGUMENTS

1. Pre-Refactoring Analysis

   • Identify the code that needs refactoring and the reasons why
   • Understand the current functionality and behavior completely
   • Review existing tests and documentation
   • Identify all dependencies and usage points

2. Test Coverage Verification

   • Ensure comprehensive test coverage exists for the code being refactored
   • If tests are missing, write them BEFORE starting refactoring
   • Run all tests to establish a baseline
   • Document current behavior with additional tests if needed

3. Refactoring Strategy

   • Define clear goals for the refactoring (performance, readability, maintainability)
   • Choose appropriate refactoring techniques:
     • Extract Method/Function
     • Extract Class/Component
     • Rename Variable/Method
     • Move Method/Field
     • Replace Conditional with Polymorphism
     • Eliminate Dead Code
   • Plan the refactoring in small, incremental steps

4. Environment Setup

   • Create a new branch: git checkout -b refactor/$ARGUMENTS
   • Ensure all tests pass before starting
   • Set up any additional tooling needed (profilers, analyzers)

5. Incremental Refactoring

   • Make small, focused changes one at a time
   • Run tests after each change to ensure nothing breaks
   • Commit working changes frequently with descriptive messages
   • Use IDE refactoring tools when available for safety

6. Code Quality Improvements

   • Improve naming conventions for clarity
   • Eliminate code duplication (DRY principle)
   • Simplify complex conditional logic
   • Reduce method/function length and complexity
   • Improve separation of concerns

7. Performance Optimizations

   • Identify and eliminate performance bottlenecks
   • Optimize algorithms and data structures
   • Reduce unnecessary computations
   • Improve memory usage patterns

8. Design Pattern Application

   • Apply appropriate design patterns where beneficial
   • Improve abstraction and encapsulation
   • Enhance modularity and reusability
   • Reduce coupling between components

9. Error Handling Improvement

   • Standardize error handling approaches
   • Improve error messages and logging
   • Add proper exception handling
   • Enhance resilience and fault tolerance

10. Documentation Updates

    • Update code comments to reflect changes
    • Revise API documentation if interfaces changed
    • Update inline documentation and examples
    • Ensure comments are accurate and helpful

11. Testing Enhancements

    • Add tests for any new code paths created
    • Improve existing test quality and coverage
    • Remove or update obsolete tests
    • Ensure tests are still meaningful and effective

12. Static Analysis

    • Run linting tools to catch style and potential issues
    • Use static analysis tools to identify problems
    • Check for security vulnerabilities
    • Verify code complexity metrics

13. Performance Verification

    • Run performance benchmarks if applicable
    • Compare before/after metrics
    • Ensure refactoring didn't degrade performance
    • Document any performance improvements

14. Integration Testing

    • Run full test suite to ensure no regressions
    • Test integration with dependent systems
    • Verify all functionality works as expected
    • Test edge cases and error scenarios

15. Code Review Preparation

    • Review all changes for quality and consistency
    • Ensure refactoring goals were achieved
    • Prepare clear explanation of changes made
    • Document benefits and rationale

16. Documentation of Changes

    • Create a summary of refactoring changes
    • Document any breaking changes or new patterns
    • Update project documentation if needed
    • Explain benefits and reasoning for future reference

17. Deployment Considerations

    • Plan deployment strategy for refactored code
    • Consider feature flags for gradual rollout
    • Prepare rollback procedures
    • Set up monitoring for the refactored components

Remember: Refactoring should preserve external behavior while improving internal structure. Always prioritize safety over speed, and maintain comprehensive test coverage throughout the process.