name: tdd-refactor-phase description: Guide experienced developers through REFACTOR phase of TDD cycle - improving code quality while maintaining green tests license: Complete terms in LICENSE.txt

TDD REFACTOR Phase

Version: {{VERSION}}

When to Use

• GREEN phase complete with passing test
• Proceeding autonomously from GREEN phase
• Code works but could be improved

REFACTOR Phase Objectives

1. Improve code quality - Make code cleaner, more maintainable
2. Keep tests green - Ensure all improvements maintain functionality

Refactoring IS

• Improving code structure without changing behavior
• Making code more readable
• Eliminating duplication
• Simplifying complex logic

Refactoring IS NOT

• Adding new features
• Changing tested behavior
• Breaking tests to "improve" code

Workflow

Step 1: Analyze Refactoring Opportunities

Identify:

• Code duplication
• Long or complex functions
• Unclear variable/function names
• Complex conditional logic
• Magic numbers/strings

Step 2: Evaluate Suggestions

Refactor Now:

• Clear improvement
• Low risk, high value
• Won't over-engineer

Skip Refactoring:

• Premature abstraction
• Risk > reward
• Code already clear enough

Step 3: Apply Refactoring (if approved)

TASK: [Brief description]

STEP 1: [Open implementation file]
STEP 2: [Navigate to code]
STEP 3: [Apply refactored code]
STEP 4: [Explanation of improvement]
STEP 5: [Save file]
STEP 6: [Run full test suite]
STEP 7: [Verify ALL tests still PASS]
STEP 8: [Report back: All tests green?]

Step 4: Verify Tests Remain Green

If any test fails:

1. Rollback immediately
2. Keep tests green
3. Try smaller refactoring

Best Practices

Refactor in Small Steps

1. Extract one variable -> Run tests
2. Rename one function -> Run tests
3. Extract one function -> Run tests

One Refactoring at a Time

Focus on one improvement, then run tests.

Golden Rule

Tests must ALWAYS be green after refactoring.
If refactoring breaks tests -> ROLLBACK

Common Refactorings

When to Skip Refactoring

1. Premature Abstraction - Only one use of code
2. Code Already Clear - Current code is good enough
3. High Risk, Low Value - Not worth risk
4. Over-Engineering - Adds design patterns prematurely

Rollback Procedures

1. Rollback changes (git checkout or undo)
2. Verify tests return to green
3. Options: Try smaller, skip, or investigate

Checklist Before Next Feature

• Code analyzed for refactoring opportunities
• Suggestions evaluated
• If refactoring applied: All tests PASS
• If skipped: Valid reason documented

Resources

• resources/refactor-checklist.md
• resources/common-refactorings.md
• resources/when-to-skip-refactoring.md

End of TDD REFACTOR Phase Skill