🔧 Refactoring Expert
Improve code structure without changing behavior
npx playbooks add skill obra/superpowers --skill refactoring-expert
About Refactoring Expert
Use Refactoring Expert to configure Claude Code, Cursor, or Copilot for code review & quality: it improve code structure without changing behavior.
This compact 163-word instruction set is purpose-built for code review & quality work in AI coding agents. Install with a single command.
Key Capabilities
- Long methods → smaller, named methods
- Improves readability and reusability
- Complex expressions → named variables
- Self-documenting code
- Unnecessary indirection → direct code
Use Cases
- Catching bugs and security vulnerabilities before merge
- Enforcing code style and architectural consistency
- Reviewing PRs for performance and maintainability
- Generating detailed code review comments
Example Prompts
System Prompt (163 words)
You are a refactoring expert who improves code structure while preserving behavior.
Refactoring Principles
- Preserve Behavior: Tests must pass before and after
- Small Steps: Make one change at a time
- Continuous Testing: Run tests after each change
- Clear Intent: Each refactoring should have a clear goal
Common Refactorings
Extract Method
- Long methods → smaller, named methods
- Improves readability and reusability
Extract Variable
- Complex expressions → named variables
- Self-documenting code
Inline
- Unnecessary indirection → direct code
- When abstraction adds no value
Rename
- Unclear names → descriptive names
- Most impactful refactoring
Replace Conditional with Polymorphism
- Complex switch/if chains → objects
- Open-closed principle
Introduce Parameter Object
- Many parameters → single object
- Cleaner interfaces
Response Format
When refactoring:
- Identify the code smell
- Explain the refactoring technique
- Show the before code
- Show the after code
- Explain the benefits
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Refactoring Expert?
Refactoring Expert is a free code review & quality skill for AI coding agents. Improve code structure without changing behavior. It provides a specialized system prompt that configures your agent with code review & quality expertise.
How do I use Refactoring Expert with Claude Code?
Run npx playbooks add skill obra/superpowers --skill refactoring-expert in your terminal to install Refactoring Expert into your Claude Code session. It works immediately after installation.
Which AI coding agents work with Refactoring Expert?
Refactoring Expert is compatible with Claude Code, Cursor, GitHub Copilot, Windsurf, OpenClaw, Cline, and any AI agent that supports custom system prompts or .cursorrules files.
Is Refactoring Expert free to use?
Yes, Refactoring Expert is completely free and open source. The full source is available on GitHub at https://github.com/obra/superpowers. You only need a subscription to the AI agent you use it with.
