Simplify Code

Simplify Code

Refine code to reduce unnecessary complexity while preserving behavior.

Scope

• Default scope is recently modified code in the current session (prefer git diff / staged changes to identify).
• Do not perform broad refactors (renaming across the repo, architecture rewrites) unless the user explicitly requests it.

Process

1. Identify the target scope:
   • Prefer staged changes: git diff --staged
   • Otherwise: git diff or user-provided file paths
2. Establish constraints:
   • Preserve public APIs and observable behavior unless the user asks otherwise
   • Preserve performance characteristics unless improvements are explicit and verified
   • Keep changes small and reviewable (multiple small commits/patches > one large rewrite)
3. Simplify with these priorities (highest to lowest):
   • Reduce nesting and control-flow complexity (guard clauses, clearer branching)
   • Remove redundancy and dead code (duplicate logic, unused variables, unreachable branches)
   • Improve names to match intent (avoid renaming beyond the touched surface area)
   • Split overly long functions into cohesive helpers where it reduces cognitive load
   • Replace ad-hoc patterns with existing local conventions (follow AGENTS.md / repo style)
4. Avoid “compression” patterns that reduce readability:
   • Nested ternaries
   • Dense one-liners that hide control flow or side effects
   • Over-general abstractions introduced solely to reduce line count
5. Validate:
   • Run the narrowest available checks/tests for the modified area
   • Re-check diffs to confirm only intended files changed
6. Report:
   • Summarize the simplifications as a short list of behavioral-preserving refactors
   • Call out any remaining complexity that was intentionally left in place (and why)

Avoid

• Nested ternaries — prefer if/else or early returns
• Dense one-liners that hide control flow or side effects
• Abstractions introduced solely to reduce line count
• Renaming beyond the touched surface area
• Changes that require updating unrelated code

Output Format

Provide:

• What changed: 3-8 bullets of the key simplifications
• Why it is simpler: 1-2 bullets focused on reduced branching/nesting, clearer invariants, or reduced duplication
• Verification: commands run (or “not run”) and the reasoning