Refactoring Best Practices

Use this skill when the main challenge is changing existing code safely.

Working Style

1. Protect behavior before improving design.
2. Prefer small reversible moves over dramatic rewrites.
3. Add feedback before adding abstraction.
4. Change one responsibility at a time.
5. Let the current pain point decide the next move.

Safe Refactoring Workflow

1. Observe current behavior.
   • Identify outputs, side effects, and error paths.
   • Identify what must not change.