Skill: Code Simplifier

Category: Code Quality Version: 1.0.0 Rule Reference: rules/simplicity-over-complexity.md

Overview

Detect and simplify overly complex code. Apply KISS principle (Keep It Simple, Stupid).

Philosophy: The best code is code you don't have to write. Less is more.

Full Guide: Read rules/simplicity-over-complexity.md for comprehensive patterns and examples.

Quick Reference

Signal	Action
Deep nesting (>3 levels)	Flatten with early returns
Long function (>30 lines)	Extract smaller functions
Complex conditionals	Use lookup tables
Over-abstraction	Inline single-use code
Premature optimization	Remove unless profiled

Complexity Targets

Metric	Target
Cyclomatic complexity	≤10
Nesting depth	≤3
Function length	≤30 lines
File length	≤300 lines
Parameters	≤3

Simplification Checklist

Before writing or reviewing code, ask:

Can I delete this? - Unused code, dead branches
Can I inline this? - Single-use abstractions
Can I flatten this? - Nested conditions, callbacks
Can I use built-ins? - Array methods, standard library
Is this needed now? - YAGNI (You Ain't Gonna Need It)
Would a junior understand? - If not, simplify

Commands

Command	Purpose
`simplify <file>`	Analyze and simplify a file
`simplify:check`	Check complexity metrics
`quality:complexity`	Full complexity report

Example Session

User: This function is too complex, simplify it

Claude: Let me analyze the complexity...

Complexity Analysis:
- Cyclomatic complexity: 15 (target: ≤10)
- Nesting depth: 5 (target: ≤3)
- Lines: 87 (target: ≤30)

Simplification Plan:
1. Convert nested ifs to early returns (-3 nesting)
2. Extract validation logic to separate function (-20 lines)
3. Replace switch with lookup table (-15 lines, -5 complexity)
4. Remove unused error handling branch

Applying changes...

Result:
- Cyclomatic complexity: 6 ✓
- Nesting depth: 2 ✓
- Lines: 28 ✓

Related Resources

Full KISS Guide: rules/simplicity-over-complexity.md
Complexity Command: commands/quality/complexity.md
Refactor Workflow: commands/refactor.md
Code Reviewer: skills/code-reviewer/SKILL.md

Remember: Simple code is not dumb code. It takes skill to write simple code.

Version: 1.0.0

code-simplifier