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refactoring

Plan and execute incremental refactors after tests pass.

21|6|Updated Dec 10, 2025
Search Tags:#workflow#TDD#maintainability#refactor#code-quality#commit-before
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/mintuz/claude-plugins --skill refactoring-mintuz
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: refactoring
Source: https://github.com/mintuz/claude-plugins/tree/main/plugins/web/skills/refactoring
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/mintuz/claude-plugins --skill refactoring-mintuz

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Refactoring is often performed without a clear, safe plan. This skill provides a disciplined approach: refactor only after tests pass, commit working code before making changes, and apply prioritized improvements to improve maintainability without altering feature delivery.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Commit-before: Ensure a stable baseline by committing working code prior to any refactor.
  • Incremental improvements: Focus on readability and structure without introducing new features.
  • TDD-guided decisions: Use tests to guide what to refactor and what to leave as-is.

Quick Start

  • Run the test suite to confirm green.
  • Create a scoped refactor plan, implement changes incrementally, and commit after each improvement.
  • Validate with tests and code review to ensure behavior remains intact.

Frequently Asked Questions about refactoring

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I safely refactor legacy code without breaking existing features?▼

Use TDD-guided refactoring by running the test suite to confirm green, creating a scoped refactor plan, implementing changes incrementally, and committing after each improvement to validate behavior remains intact.

What is the commit-before-refactor rule and why is it needed?▼

Refactoring is often performed without a clear plan; committing working code first provides a safety net so you can apply prioritized improvements to maintainability without risking feature delivery.

Can I use TDD to guide what code I should refactor?▼

Run the test suite to confirm green, create a scoped refactor plan, implement changes incrementally, and validate with tests and code review to ensure behavior remains intact throughout the process.

Does this refactoring approach work for ongoing maintenance and feature-free improvements?▼

It provides a disciplined approach to refactoring by enforcing a commit-before-refactor rule and TDD-guided decisions, ensuring maintainability improvements do not alter feature delivery.

What are the limitations of refactoring without a test suite?▼

The approach requires a test suite to confirm green before starting, as TDD-guided decisions rely on tests to validate that feature-free improvements maintain expected behavior.

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