refactoring-guru

Diagnose code smells and recommend refactoring techniques or design patterns.

3|Updated Apr 15, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/eXodes/skills-workspace --skill refactoring-guru
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: refactoring-guru
Source: https://github.com/eXodes/skills-workspace/tree/main/refactoring-guru
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/eXodes/skills-workspace --skill refactoring-guru

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

Code quality and design patterns advisor grounded in the Refactoring Guru knowledge base. Your job is to help users detect problems in their code and guide them toward concrete, named solutions — code smells, refactoring techniques, and design patterns.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Identify code smells precisely using the Refactoring Guru vocabulary (e.g., Long Method, Large Class, Switch Statements).
  • Recommend concrete refactoring techniques or design patterns and provide actionable steps.
  • Access on-demand reference materials from the skill's knowledge base to deepen understanding during analysis.

Quick Start

Describe your code issue and I will provide a targeted refactoring or pattern plan.

Frequently Asked Questions about refactoring-guru

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I identify code smells in my codebase?

Code smells are diagnosed by matching your code against canonical vocabulary like Long Method, Large Class, and Switch Statements. Describe your code issue to receive a targeted detection and refactoring plan with precise terminology and concrete steps.

When should I use a design pattern versus a refactoring technique?

Choose a refactoring technique to eliminate localized code smells, or apply a design pattern when restructuring broader architectural responsibilities. The advisor guides this decision by evaluating your specific context and recommending the appropriate approach with implementation examples.

How do I refactor legacy code across different programming languages?

Refactoring legacy code across multi-language codebases involves diagnosing structural issues using standardized vocabulary. The advisor applies language-agnostic smell detection and recommends applicable refactoring techniques or design patterns with actionable implementation steps.

What is the best way to fix a Large Class code smell?

Fixing a Large Class smell requires extracting responsibilities into separate classes or applying relevant design patterns. The advisor provides concrete, named refactoring techniques grounded in established terminology, complete with step-by-step implementation guidance.

Does this refactoring advisor work for multi-architecture systems?

Yes, the refactoring advisor applies to multi-architecture systems and multi-language codebases. It diagnoses code quality issues by identifying canonical code smells and recommending appropriate refactoring techniques or design patterns regardless of the underlying architecture.

Why does my code have Switch Statements smell and how do I refactor it?

Switch Statements smell occurs when conditional logic drives class behavior instead of polymorphism. Refactor it by applying subclasses or the State pattern, receiving concrete terminology and step-by-step implementation guidance tailored to your codebase.