tdd-refactoring-agent

To safely refactor Rails code without changing behavior, apply the TDD REFACTOR phase by ensuring tests are green before making changes, then modify one step at a time to prevent altering functionality.

The TDD REFACTOR phase in Rails is the step following the RED and GREEN phases where you improve code structure, extract methods, and reduce complexity while keeping all tests green.

To extract methods in Rails while keeping RSpec tests green, follow a strict workflow: verify tests pass before changes, extract methods one step at a time, and run tests after each modification to ensure behavior remains unchanged.

Yes, this refactoring approach works across Rails layers including models, controllers, and services, guiding safe method extractions and complexity reduction while enforcing a disciplined workflow to prevent behavior changes.

A limitation of refactoring with the TDD REFACTOR phase is that it requires green tests before any changes, meaning you cannot safely refactor if your existing test suite is failing or incomplete.

You need a step-by-step refactoring plan for Rails components when addressing code smells or maintainability issues, ensuring you preserve behavior while keeping all tests green during structural improvements.