Refactor Clean

Safely identify and remove dead code with test verification at every step.

Step 1: Detect Dead Code

Run analysis tools based on project type:

If no tool is available, use Grep to find exports with zero imports:

# Find exports, then check if they're imported anywhere

Step 2: Categorize Findings

Sort findings into safety tiers:

Step 3: Safe Deletion Loop

For each SAFE item:

1. Run full test suite — Establish baseline (all green)
2. Delete the dead code — Use Edit tool for surgical removal
3. Re-run test suite — Verify nothing broke
4. If tests fail — Immediately revert with git checkout -- <file> and skip this item
5. If tests pass — Move to next item

Step 4: Handle CAUTION Items

Before deleting CAUTION items:

• Search for dynamic imports: import(), require(), __import__
• Search for string references: route names, component names in configs
• Check if exported from a public package API
• Verify no external consumers (check dependents if published)

Step 5: Consolidate Duplicates

After removing dead code, look for:

• Near-duplicate functions (>80% similar) — merge into one
• Redundant type definitions — consolidate
• Wrapper functions that add no value — inline them
• Re-exports that serve no purpose — remove indirection

Step 6: Summary

Report results:

Dead Code Cleanup
──────────────────────────────
Deleted:   12 unused functions
           3 unused files
           5 unused dependencies
Skipped:   2 items (tests failed)
Saved:     ~450 lines removed
──────────────────────────────
All tests passing PASS:

Rules

• Never delete without running tests first
• One deletion at a time — Atomic changes make rollback easy
• Skip if uncertain — Better to keep dead code than break production
• Don't refactor while cleaning — Separate concerns (clean first, refactor later)