Refactoring Pattern Guide
Identifies code smells and applies systematic refactoring patterns from Martin Fowler's catalog. Guides safe refactoring with test coverage, legacy code strategies, and incremental improvement plans that preserve behavior while improving design.
SupaScore
83.75Best for
- ▸Legacy codebase cleanup with safe, incremental refactoring patterns
- ▸Code smell identification and systematic elimination using Fowler's catalog
- ▸Test-first refactoring of untested production code using Feathers' techniques
- ▸Design pattern extraction from procedural code through proven transformations
- ▸Technical debt reduction with measurable progress tracking
What you'll get
- ●Named code smell identification (Long Method, Feature Envy, etc.) with specific line references and impact assessment
- ●Detailed refactoring mechanics with before/after code examples, test requirements, and rollback strategies
- ●Incremental transformation plan with checkpoints, seam identification, and dependency-breaking techniques for legacy code
Not designed for ↓
- ×Complete system rewrites or architectural overhauls
- ×Performance optimization without behavior preservation guarantees
- ×Adding new features while refactoring existing code
- ×Refactoring without existing test coverage or seam identification
Specific code samples with context about the codebase, existing tests, and particular code smells or design issues to address.
Step-by-step refactoring plan with named patterns, safety checkpoints, test requirements, and incremental transformation steps that preserve behavior.
Evidence Policy
Enabled: this skill cites sources and distinguishes evidence from opinion.
Research Foundation: 6 sources (2 industry frameworks, 2 expert knowledge, 2 community practice)
This skill was developed through independent research and synthesis. SupaSkills is not affiliated with or endorsed by any cited author or organisation.
Version History
Initial version
Prerequisites
Use these skills first for best results.
Works well with
Need more depth?
Specialist skills that go deeper in areas this skill touches.
Common Workflows
Legacy Code Modernization
Systematic legacy code improvement with test coverage, refactoring, and peer validation
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