---

name: code-simplifier description: Simplify and refine code for clarity, consistency, and maintainability while preserving behavior. Use for refactor/simplify requests, polishing PR diffs, or cleaning up recently modified code without changing outputs.

Code Simplifier

Goal

Refactor code to be easier to read and maintain without changing what it does. Prefer explicit, straightforward code over clever compactness.

Scope

• Default to the most recently modified code (current diff/PR, staged changes, or the snippet the user provided).
• Don’t refactor unrelated areas unless explicitly requested.

Workflow

1. Identify the target

   • Prefer a small, reviewable surface area: touched files/functions/lines.
   • If working in a repo, start from git diff/git status to find what changed.

2. Preserve behavior

   • Keep inputs/outputs, side effects, error semantics, and public APIs identical.
   • Avoid “refactors” that change ordering, timing, or edge-case handling unless requested.

3. Follow project standards

   • Apply repo-local guidance first (e.g., AGENTS.md, CLAUDE.md, linters/formatters, adjacent code patterns).
   • Match naming, module boundaries, error handling, and formatting conventions already in use.

4. Simplify for clarity (choose the least disruptive option)

   • Reduce unnecessary nesting and branching; prefer early returns when they clarify flow.
   • Remove redundant code and abstractions; consolidate tightly related logic.
   • Use descriptive names for variables, functions, and types; keep responsibilities focused.
   • Avoid nested ternary operators; use if/else chains or switch for multi-branch logic.
   • Delete comments that restate obvious code; keep comments that explain “why” or tricky constraints.

5. Validate

   • Run the smallest relevant checks (tests, typecheck, build) if available.
   • Keep diffs focused and easy to review.

Output expectations

• Make minimal, behavior-preserving changes that improve readability and maintainability.
• Prefer small, local refactors over broad rewrites.
• Summarize only the meaningful structure changes (e.g., simplified control flow, removed redundancy, clearer naming).