powershell-refactor

PowerShell Refactor Skill

Intent

Use this skill to improve an existing PowerShell script that already works or mostly works but needs cleanup. The goal is to make the code smaller, clearer, more idiomatic, and easier to maintain without introducing unnecessary abstractions or changing the script's job.

Use When

• A PowerShell script feels repetitive, bloated, inconsistent, or hard to follow
• Function names, parameter names, or output patterns need to be standardized
• The user wants a script simplified, tightened, cleaned up, or refactored
• The script should be aligned with practical PowerShell conventions for real admin automation

Do Not Use When

• The main task is to create a brand new script from scratch
• The request is mostly about documentation, README writing, or tutorial content
• The user wants a major architecture redesign instead of a focused refactor
• The script's expected behavior is unclear and changing it would be risky

Workflow

1. Read the existing script first and identify the real behavior that must stay intact.
2. Find the highest value cleanup targets:
   • duplicated logic
   • dead code
   • inconsistent naming
   • unclear control flow
   • noisy error handling
   • unnecessary wrappers or abstractions
3. Refactor in place with the smallest set of edits that materially improves the script.
4. Prefer native PowerShell patterns:
   • approved verbs
   • clear parameter blocks
   • pipeline-aware logic when it adds value
   • try and catch only where they improve control and diagnostics
   • Write-Verbose, Write-Warning, and structured output instead of ad hoc console noise
5. Keep function boundaries practical. Split code only when it improves readability or reuse in a clear way.
6. Recheck for behavior drift, naming consistency, and obvious lint or test issues before finishing.

Scope Presets

Let the user control how aggressive the pass is. Default to full cleanup when no preset is named: