# Refactor Simplify Branching

> [Code Quality] Simplifies complex conditionals: deep nesting, long if-else chains, switch sprawl. Use when control flow is hard to follow or has high cyclomatic complexity.

- Skill: `majiayu000/refactor-simplify-branching` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds add majiayu000/refactor-simplify-branching`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/majiayu000/refactor-simplify-branching/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: majiayu000 (https://skillmd.com/u/majiayu000)
- Updated: 2026-09-09
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/majiayu000/refactor-simplify-branching

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# Refactor: Simplify Branching

Reduce conditional complexity for better readability.

## Techniques

### 1. Guard Clauses (Early Return)
Replace deep nesting with flat guards.

### 2. Replace Conditionals with Polymorphism
Use protocol dispatch instead of type checking.

### 3. Replace Nested Conditionals with Table
Use lookup tables for multi-dimensional conditions.

### 4. Decompose Compound Conditionals
Extract complex conditions to named variables or methods.

### 5. Replace Flag Arguments
Create separate methods instead of boolean flags.

## Warning Signs

- Nesting > 3 levels deep
- More than 3 else-if branches
- Switch with > 5 cases
- Condition spans multiple lines