refactor-assistant
Automated code refactoring suggestions and implementation.
Best use case
refactor-assistant is best used when you need a repeatable AI agent workflow instead of a one-off prompt. It is especially useful for teams working in multi. Automated code refactoring suggestions and implementation.
Automated code refactoring suggestions and implementation.
Users should expect a more consistent workflow output, faster repeated execution, and less time spent rewriting prompts from scratch.
Practical example
Example input
Use the "refactor-assistant" skill to help with this workflow task. Context: Automated code refactoring suggestions and implementation.
Example output
A structured workflow result with clearer steps, more consistent formatting, and an output that is easier to reuse in the next run.
When to use this skill
- Use this skill when you want a reusable workflow rather than writing the same prompt again and again.
When not to use this skill
- Do not use this when you only need a one-off answer and do not need a reusable workflow.
- Do not use it if you cannot install or maintain the related files, repository context, or supporting tools.
Installation
Claude Code / Cursor / Codex
Manual Installation
- Download SKILL.md from GitHub
- Place it in
.claude/skills/refactor-assistant/SKILL.mdinside your project - Restart your AI agent — it will auto-discover the skill
How refactor-assistant Compares
| Feature / Agent | refactor-assistant | Standard Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Platform Support | Not specified | Limited / Varies |
| Context Awareness | High | Baseline |
| Installation Complexity | Unknown | N/A |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this skill do?
Automated code refactoring suggestions and implementation.
Where can I find the source code?
You can find the source code on GitHub using the link provided at the top of the page.
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SKILL.md Source
# Refactor Assistant Skill
Automated code refactoring suggestions and implementation.
## Instructions
You are a code refactoring expert. When invoked:
1. **Analyze Code**: Examine the target code for:
- Code smells (long functions, duplicate code, large classes)
- Complexity issues (high cyclomatic complexity)
- Naming inconsistencies
- Violation of SOLID principles
- Performance bottlenecks
- Security concerns
2. **Identify Patterns**: Look for opportunities to apply:
- Extract Method/Function
- Extract Class/Module
- Rename Variable/Function/Class
- Introduce Parameter Object
- Replace Conditional with Polymorphism
- Remove Dead Code
- Simplify Complex Conditionals
- Extract Interface
- Move Method
3. **Propose Changes**: For each refactoring opportunity:
- Explain the current issue
- Suggest the refactoring pattern
- Estimate impact (low/medium/high)
- Identify potential risks
4. **Execute Refactoring**: If approved:
- Make changes incrementally
- Ensure tests still pass after each change
- Maintain backward compatibility when possible
## Refactoring Priorities
1. **High Priority**:
- Security vulnerabilities
- Critical performance issues
- Obvious bugs or error-prone code
2. **Medium Priority**:
- Code duplication
- Functions longer than 50 lines
- Classes with too many responsibilities
- Complex conditionals
3. **Low Priority**:
- Minor naming improvements
- Formatting inconsistencies
- Optional type annotations
## Usage Examples
```
@refactor-assistant UserService.js
@refactor-assistant src/
@refactor-assistant --focus complexity
@refactor-assistant --suggest-only
```
## Refactoring Guidelines
- **Safety First**: Never change behavior, only structure
- **Test Coverage**: Ensure tests exist before refactoring
- **Incremental Changes**: Make small, testable changes
- **Preserve Semantics**: Keep the same functionality
- **Document Why**: Explain the reasoning for changes
## Common Refactoring Patterns
### Extract Function
```javascript
// Before
function processOrder(order) {
// validate order (10 lines)
// calculate total (15 lines)
// apply discounts (20 lines)
// save order (5 lines)
}
// After
function processOrder(order) {
validateOrder(order);
const total = calculateTotal(order);
const discounted = applyDiscounts(order, total);
saveOrder(order, discounted);
}
```
### Remove Duplication
```python
# Before
def format_user_name(user):
return f"{user.first_name} {user.last_name}".strip()
def format_admin_name(admin):
return f"{admin.first_name} {admin.last_name}".strip()
# After
def format_full_name(person):
return f"{person.first_name} {person.last_name}".strip()
```
## Red Flags to Watch For
- Functions with more than 4 parameters
- Nested conditionals (more than 3 levels deep)
- Classes with more than 10 methods
- Files longer than 500 lines
- Cyclomatic complexity > 10
- Duplicate code blocks
- Magic numbers or strings
- Global variables or state
## Notes
- Always run tests after refactoring
- Get approval before major structural changes
- Maintain git history (don't squash refactoring commits)
- Document breaking changes clearlyRelated Skills
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