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