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Refactoring Plan

Purpose​

This document defines a clear, step-by-step plan for a refactoring effort.

It exists to prevent loss of direction, uncontrolled scope growth, and unsafe changes — especially when refactoring is supported by AI.

A refactoring must not start until this plan exists.

How to Use This Template​

  1. Create a new file:
    • refactors/refactor-<short-name>.md
  2. Use AI in the Developer or Solution Architect role to help draft the plan.
  3. Keep the plan concise, explicit, and focused.
  4. Update the plan only if scope changes are explicitly approved.

1. Refactoring Goal​

Why is this refactoring necessary?

  • What concrete problem does it solve? (complexity, coupling, duplication, testability, performance, maintainability)
  • What negative outcome are we trying to avoid?

2. Success Criteria​

How will we know the refactoring was successful?

  • What measurable or observable improvement should exist afterward?
  • What should be easier, safer, or clearer?

3. Scope​

In Scope​

  • Which modules, files, or components are explicitly included?

Out of Scope (Required)​

  • What will not be touched, even if tempting?

4. Risk Assessment​

  • What could realistically go wrong?
  • Is this code on a critical execution path?
  • How severe would a regression be?

5. Safety Net (Tests)​

How is current behavior protected?

  • Existing tests that already cover this area
  • New tests to be added before refactoring
  • Characterization tests (if behavior is unclear)

6. Step-by-Step Refactoring Plan​

Break the refactoring into small, reviewable steps.

Example:

  1. Add missing tests for current behavior
  2. Rename confusing identifiers
  3. Extract function/module X
  4. Introduce interface/adapter
  5. Remove obsolete code

Each step should:

  • be independently safe
  • compile and pass tests
  • be explainable

7. Validation Checklist​

Before considering the refactor complete, confirm:

  • All tests pass (unit + integration)
  • Build succeeds
  • No new warnings or lint errors
  • Code is at least as understandable as before
  • Definition of Done is satisfied

8. Rollback Strategy​

If something goes wrong:

  • How can we revert safely?
  • Which commit(s) represent a safe restore point?

9. Notes and Follow-Ups​

  • Open questions
  • Deferred improvements (explicitly not part of this refactor)

Status​

  • Author:
  • Date:
  • Status: Draft / In Progress / Completed