Skill: Code Simplifier

Category: Code Quality Rule Reference: rules/core/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/core/simplicity-over-complexity.md for comprehensive patterns and examples.

Quick Reference

Complexity Targets

Simplification Checklist

Before writing or reviewing code, ask:

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

Commands

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/core/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.