code-simplification

Code Simplification

Inspired by the Claude Code Simplifier plugin. Adapted here as a model-agnostic, process-driven skill for any AI coding agent.

Overview

Simplify code by reducing complexity while preserving exact behavior. The goal is not fewer lines — it's code that is easier to read, understand, modify, and debug. Every simplification must pass a simple test: "Would a new team member understand this faster than the original?"

When to Use

• After a feature is working and tests pass, but the implementation feels heavier than it needs to be
• During code review when readability or complexity issues are flagged
• When you encounter deeply nested logic, long methods, or unclear names
• When refactoring code written under time pressure
• When consolidating related logic scattered across files
• After merging changes that introduced duplication or inconsistency

When NOT to use:

• Code is already clean and readable — don't simplify for the sake of it
• You don't understand what the code does yet — comprehend before you simplify
• The code is performance-critical and the "simpler" version would be measurably slower (confirm with BenchmarkDotNet, don't guess)
• You're about to rewrite the module entirely — simplifying throwaway code wastes effort

The Five Principles

1. Preserve Behavior Exactly

Don't change what the code does — only how it expresses it. All inputs, outputs, side effects, error behavior, and edge cases must remain identical. If you're not sure a simplification preserves behavior, don't make it.

ASK BEFORE EVERY CHANGE:
→ Does this produce the same output for every input?
→ Does this maintain the same exception behavior (same type, same message pattern)?
→ Does this preserve the same side effects and ordering?
→ Do all existing tests still pass without modification?