# Code Simplification

> Simplify working code while preserving behavior—remove dead paths, flatten nesting, clarify names, reduce duplication. Use after features work but code feels over-engineered.

- Skill: `charlieviettq/code-simplification` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add charlieviettq/code-simplification`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/charlieviettq/code-simplification/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: charlieviettq (https://skillmd.com/u/charlieviettq)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/charlieviettq/code-simplification

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# Code Simplification

Behavior-preserving simplification pass on code that already works. Distinct from `design-smell-review` (structural critique before change) and `refactor-legacy-python-pr` (scoped legacy cleanup PRs).

## When to use

- Feature is done and tested; complexity exceeds need
- Review feedback says "over-engineered"
- Preparing a focused hygiene PR

## When not to use

- Bug is still open (fix behavior first)
- Large architectural rewrite (use `incremental-implementation`)
- No tests and behavior is unclear (add tests or spike first)

## Workflow

1. **Baseline** — confirm tests pass or define minimal manual checks
2. **Inventory** — list simplification targets (unused code, deep nesting, duplicate logic, premature abstraction)
3. **One change at a time** — small commits; run tests after each
4. **Stop** — when readability improves without expanding scope

## Safe simplifications

- Remove dead code and unused imports
- Inline one-use helpers when they obscure flow
- Replace cleverness with explicit steps
- Consolidate duplicate validation or mapping
- Narrow public API surface if callers allow

## Avoid

- Drive-by renames across unrelated files
- Changing behavior "while you're here"
- Removing abstractions that enable testing or extension without evidence

## Verification

- Same inputs → same outputs
- No new linter/type errors
- Diff stays reviewable (< ~300 lines unless agreed)