hickey

Evaluate code changes for accidental complexity using Hickey's Simple Made Easy.

Updated Apr 26, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/juspay/ci --skill hickey-juspay
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: hickey
Source: https://github.com/juspay/ci/tree/main/.claude/skills/hickey
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/juspay/ci --skill hickey-juspay

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Hickey's Simple Made Easy is a framework to surface accidental complexity in code reviews, guiding reviewers to identify interleaving concerns, fragmentation, and concept multiplication that slow understanding and change.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Identify independent concerns and fragmentation within a code unit during PR reviews.
  • Evaluate layering (complecting vs fragmentation) and propose targeted refactor strategies.
  • Generate a concrete, prioritized set of simplifications with actionable steps and risk notes.
  • Provide a structured report suitable for developer teams and product reviews.

Quick Start

Review the code under review and apply Hickey's Simple Made Easy criteria to surface simplifications.

Frequently Asked Questions about hickey

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I identify accidental complexity in code during a PR review?

Hickey's Simple Made Easy framework identifies accidental complexity by evaluating code changes for interleaving concerns, fragmentation, and concept multiplication. This surfaces structural issues that slow code understanding and change during PR reviews.

What is the best way to analyze code structure for simplifications and refactoring?

Analyzing code structure for refactoring involves applying evaluation layers like concern interleaving, concept multiplication, and entanglement. This generates a structured, prioritized report with concrete simplifications and design improvements.

How does Hickey's Simple Made Easy framework work for code analysis?

Hickey's Simple Made Easy framework works by applying evaluation layers such as concerns, fragmentation, concept multiplication, structural patterns, and entanglement to code changes. It returns a structured report detailing findings and severity.

Can I get actionable refactoring steps from a structural code analysis?

Yes, structural code analysis provides concrete next steps for refactoring. It evaluates layering and entanglement to propose targeted refactor strategies, returning a structured report with prioritized simplifications and risk notes.

When do I need to evaluate layering and entanglement in my codebase?

You need to evaluate layering and entanglement when trying to reduce accidental complexity and improve code simplicity. This process distinguishes between complecting and fragmentation to propose targeted refactor strategies.

Does this code review approach work for developer teams and product reviews?

Yes, this code review approach works for developer teams and product reviews by providing a structured report. This report details complexity findings, severity levels, and concrete next steps suitable for team discussions.