refactor

Name: refactor
Availability: InStock
Author: arbiterForge

Enforce parity checks and test gates during code refactoring.

139|7|Updated May 8, 2026

Search Tags:#code quality #tdd #linting #refactoring #test coverage #behavior-preserving #parity verification

Ready to run

npx skills add https://github.com/arbiterForge/codeArbiter --skill refactor-arbiterforge

💬 Prompt for ChatGPT / Claude Chat▼

Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: refactor
Source: https://github.com/arbiterForge/codeArbiter/tree/main/plugins/ca/skills/refactor
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/arbiterForge/codeArbiter --skill refactor-arbiterforge

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

This Skill prevents accidental behavior changes during code restructuring by forcing every refactor to prove parity through coverage, tests, and gated review steps.

Core Features & Use Cases

Behavior-preserving restructuring: Rename, extract, inline, move, deduplicate, or swap internal implementations without changing observable output.
Parity and coverage gates: Require a precise surface definition, direct test coverage, seam tests when needed, and full-suite verification before completion.
Safe real-world use: Use it when a module needs cleanup, a class needs splitting, or an implementation needs modernization while keeping production behavior stable.

Quick Start

Use the refactor skill to plan a behavior-preserving restructure of the named code surface and verify that all pre-existing tests still pass.

Frequently Asked Questions about refactor

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

FAQPage Schema

How do I refactor code without changing behavior or breaking existing tests?▼

To refactor code without changing behavior, you must enforce parity checks across a defined code surface. This requires direct test coverage, seam validation, and full-suite verification before the restructuring can ship.

What's the best way to safely extract or rename methods in a production codebase?▼

Safely extracting or renaming methods in a production codebase requires defining the code surface and applying parity verification. You must pass lint or type-check gates and verify full test coverage before shipping.

Why do I need seam validation and test coverage before restructuring a module?▼

Seam validation and test coverage are required before restructuring to prevent accidental behavior changes. They verify that observable output remains stable and ensure the refactor does not introduce regressions.

Can I modernize internal implementations while keeping production behavior stable?▼

You can modernize internal implementations while keeping production behavior stable by swapping them under strict parity gates. This approach demands full-suite verification and lint checks to prove no observable output has changed.

Does this refactoring approach work for deduplicating and moving code?▼

This refactoring approach works for deduplicating and moving code by applying behavior-preserving restructuring techniques. It enforces coverage and parity checks across the affected code surface to prevent regressions during the transition.

What are the limitations of behavior-preserving refactoring?▼

Behavior-preserving refactoring is limited by its strict requirement for direct test coverage and passing lint or type-check gates. If a code surface lacks tests or fails type validation, the refactor cannot safely ship.