tools-only Code Simplifier
Simplify code after implementation. Find ways to make code cleaner and simpler without changing behavior.
Philosophy
- Simpler is better
- Less code = fewer bugs
- Clarity over cleverness
- Don't change behavior, only structure
- Delete code when possible
Phase 1: Identify Recent Changes
git diff HEAD~1 --name-only
git log -1 --stat
git diff HEAD~1
Phase 2: Analyze for Simplification
Look for these patterns:
1. Duplicate Code
- Repeated logic that can be extracted
- Similar functions that can be merged
- Copy-pasted code with minor variations
2. Over-Engineering
- Abstractions used only once
- Unnecessary wrapper functions
- Over-parameterized functions (too many options)
- Premature generalization
3. Dead Code
- Unused variables
- Unreachable branches
- Commented-out code
- Unused imports/dependencies
4. Complex Conditionals
- Nested if-else chains (flatten with early returns)
- Complex boolean expressions (extract to named variables)
- Guard clauses that can be simplified
5. Long Functions
- Functions > 20 lines (consider splitting)
- Multiple responsibilities (single responsibility)
- Too many parameters (use objects)
6. Unnecessary Complexity
- Try-catch around code that can't fail
- Null checks on values that can't be null
- Defensive code for impossible cases
Phase 3: Propose Simplifications
For each finding, present:
### Simplification: [Short description]
**Location**: `file:line`
**Type**: [Duplicate/Over-engineering/Dead code/etc.]
**Current** (X lines):
```[lang]
[code block]
Simplified (Y lines):
[code block]
Benefit: [Why this is better] Risk: Low - behavior unchanged
## Phase 4: Apply Simplifications
After user approval:
1. Make one change at a time
2. Run tests after each change
3. Commit with clear message: `refactor: simplify [description]`
4. Move to next simplification
## Output Format
Simplification Report
Changes Analyzed
- Files: [count]
- Lines added: [count]
- Lines removed: [count]
Simplification Opportunities
[List each opportunity with current/simplified code]
Summary
- Simplifications found: X
- Estimated lines reducible: Y
- Complexity reduction: [High/Medium/Low]
Recommended Actions
- Apply simplification #1 (highest impact)
- Apply simplification #2 ...
Tests to Run After
- [List of test commands to verify no behavior change]
## Safety Rules
1. **Never change behavior** - only structure
2. **Run tests after every change** - verify nothing broke
3. **Keep changes atomic** - one simplification per commit
4. **Document what was simplified** - clear commit messages
5. **Preserve public APIs** - internal refactoring only
## Usage
Copy to your project:
```bash
cp templates/subagents/code-simplifier.md .claude/commands/
Invoke with: /project:code-simplifier