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
| 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/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.