typed-holes-refactor

Typed Holes Refactoring

Systematically refactor codebases using the Design by Typed Holes meta-framework: treat architectural unknowns as typed holes, resolve them iteratively with test-driven validation, and propagate constraints through dependency graphs.

Core Workflow

Phase 0: Hole Discovery & Setup

1. Create safe working branch:

git checkout -b refactor/typed-holes-v1
# CRITICAL: Never work in main, never touch .beads/ in main

2. Analyze current state and identify holes:

python scripts/discover_holes.py
# Creates REFACTOR_IR.md with hole catalog

The Refactor IR documents:

• Current State Holes: What's unknown about the current system?
• Refactor Holes: What needs resolution to reach the ideal state?
• Constraints: What must be preserved/improved/maintained?
• Dependencies: Which holes block which others?

3. Write baseline characterization tests:

Create tests/characterization/ to capture exact current behavior:

# tests/characterization/test_current_behavior.py
def test_api_contracts():
    """All public APIs must behave identically post-refactor"""
    for endpoint in discover_public_apis():
        old_result = run_current(endpoint, test_inputs)
        save_baseline(endpoint, old_result)

def test_performance_baselines():
    """Record current performance - don't regress"""
    baselines = measure_all_operations()
    save_json("baselines.json", baselines)

Run tests on main branch - they should all pass. These are your safety net.

Phase 1-N: Iterative Hole Resolution

For each hole (in dependency order):

1. Select next ready hole:

python scripts/next_hole.py
# Shows holes whose dependencies are resolved

2. Write validation tests FIRST (test-driven):

# tests/refactor/test_h{N}_resolution.py
def test_h{N}_resolved():
    """Define what 'resolved correctly' means"""
    # This should FAIL initially
    assert desired_state_achieved()

def test_h{N}_equivalence():
    """Ensure no behavioral regressions"""
    old_behavior = load_baseline()
    new_behavior = run_refactored()
    assert old_behavior == new_behavior