# Refactor

> Restructure existing code without changing behavior (scope → baseline tests → small verified steps → PR). Use anytime you need to clean up, reorganize, or simplify code in this workspace.

- Skill: `nativescript/refactor` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 5 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add nativescript/refactor`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/nativescript/refactor/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: AI & ML
- Author: nativescript (https://skillmd.com/u/nativescript)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/nativescript/refactor

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# Refactor Workflow

Conventions this workflow depends on (read the ones your change touches before writing code):

- [CorePlatformModules.md](./references/CorePlatformModules.md) — required before touching `packages/core` (platform-split files, handwritten `.d.ts`).
- [CodeComments.md](./references/CodeComments.md) — comment rules for all TypeScript edits.
- [WritingUnitTests.md](./references/WritingUnitTests.md) — test expectations and environment constraints.
- [CONTRIBUTING.md](./references/CONTRIBUTING.md) — commit message format.

## Phase 1: Scope

- Define what is being restructured and, explicitly, what "unchanged behavior" means for it: same public API, same observable behavior on both platforms.
- Public API changes are NOT refactors — if the `.d.ts` surface must change, stop and confirm the scope with the user first.

## Phase 2: Baseline

- Run the affected package's tests BEFORE touching anything (`npx nx run core:test`); they must be green.
- Where the code being restructured has no spec coverage, add specs first to lock in current behavior — they are the safety net for every step that follows.

## Phase 3: Restructure in small steps

- Work in small, independently green steps; run the focused tests between steps.
- Keep `.ios.ts` / `.android.ts` in parity at every step — moving shared logic into `-common.ts` is a common refactor here, and both platform files must be updated together.
- Delete dead and commented-out code you uncover; do not carry it along.

## Phase 4: Finish

- Full package target green (`npx nx run core:test`), then format: `npx nx format:write`.
- Commit with the conventional format, e.g. `refactor(core): <subject>`.
- Open the PR with `gh`, following [the PR template](../../../.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md); state that behavior is unchanged and how that was verified.