suggest-simplification
Suggests code simplification opportunities. Identifies extract method candidates, complex expressions, redundant code, refactoring opportunities.
Best use case
suggest-simplification is best used when you need a repeatable AI agent workflow instead of a one-off prompt.
Suggests code simplification opportunities. Identifies extract method candidates, complex expressions, redundant code, refactoring opportunities.
Teams using suggest-simplification should expect a more consistent output, faster repeated execution, less prompt rewriting.
When to use this skill
- You want a reusable workflow that can be run more than once with consistent structure.
When not to use this skill
- You only need a quick one-off answer and do not need a reusable workflow.
- You cannot install or maintain the underlying files, dependencies, or repository context.
Installation
Claude Code / Cursor / Codex
Manual Installation
- Download SKILL.md from GitHub
- Place it in
.claude/skills/suggest-simplification/SKILL.mdinside your project - Restart your AI agent — it will auto-discover the skill
How suggest-simplification Compares
| Feature / Agent | suggest-simplification | 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?
Suggests code simplification opportunities. Identifies extract method candidates, complex expressions, redundant code, refactoring opportunities.
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.
SKILL.md Source
# Code Simplification Suggestions
Analyze PHP code for simplification and refactoring opportunities.
## Simplification Patterns
### 1. Extract Method
```php
// BEFORE: Long inline code block
public function processOrder(Order $order): void
{
// Validate order (5 lines)
if ($order->getItems()->isEmpty()) {
throw new EmptyOrderException();
}
if ($order->getTotal()->isNegative()) {
throw new InvalidTotalException();
}
// Process payment (10 lines)
$payment = $this->paymentGateway->charge(
$order->getTotal(),
$order->getPaymentMethod()
);
if (!$payment->isSuccessful()) {
throw new PaymentFailedException();
}
// Send notifications (5 lines)
$this->mailer->send($order->getCustomer()->getEmail(), 'order_confirmed');
}
// AFTER: Extracted methods
public function processOrder(Order $order): void
{
$this->validateOrder($order);
$this->processPayment($order);
$this->sendConfirmation($order);
}
private function validateOrder(Order $order): void {}
private function processPayment(Order $order): Payment {}
private function sendConfirmation(Order $order): void {}
```
### 2. Introduce Explaining Variable
```php
// BEFORE: Complex expression
if ($user->getSubscription()?->isActive()
&& $user->getCreatedAt() < new DateTime('-30 days')
&& !$user->hasUsedTrial()
&& $user->getOrderCount() > 0) {
$this->offerUpgrade($user);
}
// AFTER: Named variables
$hasActiveSubscription = $user->getSubscription()?->isActive();
$isEstablishedUser = $user->getCreatedAt() < new DateTime('-30 days');
$eligibleForUpgrade = !$user->hasUsedTrial() && $user->getOrderCount() > 0;
if ($hasActiveSubscription && $isEstablishedUser && $eligibleForUpgrade) {
$this->offerUpgrade($user);
}
// EVEN BETTER: Extract to method
if ($user->isEligibleForUpgrade()) {
$this->offerUpgrade($user);
}
```
### 3. Remove Redundant Code
```php
// BEFORE: Redundant checks
if ($value !== null) {
if ($value !== null) { // Duplicate check
$this->process($value);
}
}
// BEFORE: Unnecessary else
if ($condition) {
return $a;
} else {
return $b;
}
// AFTER: Simplified
if ($condition) {
return $a;
}
return $b;
// BEFORE: Redundant boolean
if ($condition === true) {}
return $value === true;
// AFTER: Simplified
if ($condition) {}
return $value;
```
### 4. Simplify Conditionals
```php
// BEFORE: Nested conditionals
if ($user !== null) {
if ($user->isActive()) {
if ($user->hasPermission('edit')) {
return true;
}
}
}
return false;
// AFTER: Combined condition
return $user !== null
&& $user->isActive()
&& $user->hasPermission('edit');
// BEFORE: Negative condition
if (!$items->isEmpty()) {
$this->process($items);
}
// AFTER: Positive condition
if ($items->isNotEmpty()) {
$this->process($items);
}
```
### 5. Replace Temp with Query
```php
// BEFORE: Temporary variable used once
$basePrice = $order->getBasePrice();
$discount = $basePrice * 0.1;
return $basePrice - $discount;
// AFTER: Inline or method
return $order->getBasePrice() * 0.9;
// Or if complex:
return $order->getBasePrice() - $this->calculateDiscount($order);
```
### 6. Use Collection Methods
```php
// BEFORE: Manual loop
$active = [];
foreach ($users as $user) {
if ($user->isActive()) {
$active[] = $user;
}
}
// AFTER: array_filter
$active = array_filter($users, fn($user) => $user->isActive());
// BEFORE: Manual map
$emails = [];
foreach ($users as $user) {
$emails[] = $user->getEmail();
}
// AFTER: array_map
$emails = array_map(fn($user) => $user->getEmail(), $users);
// BEFORE: Manual find
$found = null;
foreach ($items as $item) {
if ($item->getId() === $id) {
$found = $item;
break;
}
}
// AFTER: Collection method
$found = $collection->first(fn($item) => $item->getId() === $id);
```
### 7. Replace Switch with Polymorphism
```php
// BEFORE: Switch on type
public function calculateShipping(Order $order): Money
{
switch ($order->getShippingMethod()) {
case 'standard':
return $this->calculateStandardShipping($order);
case 'express':
return $this->calculateExpressShipping($order);
case 'overnight':
return $this->calculateOvernightShipping($order);
default:
throw new InvalidMethodException();
}
}
// AFTER: Strategy pattern
interface ShippingCalculator {
public function calculate(Order $order): Money;
}
class StandardShipping implements ShippingCalculator {}
class ExpressShipping implements ShippingCalculator {}
public function calculateShipping(Order $order): Money
{
return $this->shippingCalculators
->get($order->getShippingMethod())
->calculate($order);
}
```
### 8. Null Object Pattern
```php
// BEFORE: Null checks everywhere
if ($user->getAddress() !== null) {
echo $user->getAddress()->getCity();
} else {
echo 'Unknown';
}
// AFTER: Null Object
class NullAddress implements AddressInterface
{
public function getCity(): string
{
return 'Unknown';
}
}
// Always safe to call
echo $user->getAddress()->getCity();
```
### 9. Guard Clauses
```php
// BEFORE: Deeply nested
public function process(Request $request): Response
{
if ($request !== null) {
if ($request->isValid()) {
if ($this->canProcess($request)) {
return $this->doProcess($request);
} else {
return $this->error('Cannot process');
}
} else {
return $this->error('Invalid request');
}
} else {
return $this->error('No request');
}
}
// AFTER: Guard clauses
public function process(Request $request): Response
{
if ($request === null) {
return $this->error('No request');
}
if (!$request->isValid()) {
return $this->error('Invalid request');
}
if (!$this->canProcess($request)) {
return $this->error('Cannot process');
}
return $this->doProcess($request);
}
```
### 10. Use Modern PHP Features
```php
// BEFORE: Old syntax
$name = isset($data['name']) ? $data['name'] : 'default';
// AFTER: Null coalescing
$name = $data['name'] ?? 'default';
// BEFORE: Property assignment
$value = $object->getValue();
if ($value !== null) {
echo $value;
}
// AFTER: Nullsafe operator
echo $object?->getValue();
// BEFORE: Match as if/else
if ($status === 'active') {
$color = 'green';
} elseif ($status === 'pending') {
$color = 'yellow';
} else {
$color = 'red';
}
// AFTER: Match expression
$color = match($status) {
'active' => 'green',
'pending' => 'yellow',
default => 'red',
};
```
## Severity Classification
| Pattern | Severity |
|---------|----------|
| Deeply nested code | 🟠 Major |
| Repeated code blocks | 🟠 Major |
| Complex boolean expressions | 🟡 Minor |
| Old syntax available in modern PHP | 🟢 Suggestion |
| Verbose but clear code | 🟢 Suggestion |
## Output Format
```markdown
### Simplification: [Description]
**Severity:** 🟠/🟡/🟢
**Location:** `file.php:line`
**Type:** [Extract Method|Guard Clause|Collection Method|...]
**Issue:**
[Description of the complexity]
**Current:**
```php
// Complex code
```
**Suggested:**
```php
// Simplified code
```
**Benefits:**
- Improved readability
- Reduced cognitive load
- Easier testing
- Better reusability
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