simplify

Behavior-preserving refactoring simplifies long functions and nested logic by keeping inputs, outputs, and side effects identical. It requires exact parity in error behavior and project conventions, verifying changes incrementally with tests before and after each refactoring step.

Consolidating duplicate code through scoped refactors clarifies long functions and nested logic without rewriting the module. This approach maintains project conventions while improving maintainability and ensuring the implementation remains behavior-preserving.

Refactoring nested logic flagged during code review involves applying scoped changes that improve clarity while keeping error behavior identical. You must clean up clutter incrementally and verify exact behavior parity with tests before and after each modification.

Yes, behavior-preserving refactoring requires running tests before and after simplifying code. Verifying functionality before each incremental change ensures exact parity in inputs, outputs, and side effects is maintained throughout the complexity reduction process.

You should not use refactoring to reduce code complexity when the implementation is not yet correct or when you cannot verify exact behavior parity. Without tests to confirm inputs, outputs, and side effects remain identical, simplifying changes risk altering functionality.