iamjcabalejo Refactoring Checklist
Before Refactoring
- Tests exist and pass
- Scope is clear (one concern at a time)
- No behavior change intended
Safe Refactoring Steps
1. Extract
- Extract method/function: small, focused changes
- Extract variable: improve readability
- Extract constant: magic numbers/strings
2. Rename
- Rename for clarity (IDE rename refactor)
- Update all references in one pass
3. Move
- Move function to appropriate module
- Move code closer to where it's used
4. Simplify
- Replace conditional with guard clauses
- Replace nested conditionals with early returns
- Remove dead code
5. Decompose
- Split large function into smaller ones
- Break up large classes
Rules
- One change per commit when possible
- Run tests after each step
- No new features during refactor
- Preserve behavior — refactor is structural only
Red Flags
- Changing behavior while refactoring
- Refactoring without tests
- Large, multi-file changes without incremental validation
- Mixing refactor with feature work
Output
- Before/after complexity (if measurable)
- List of changes
- Confirmation that tests still pass