Serena Refactor Skill

Perform large-scale, symbol-aware refactoring using Serena MCP's semantic code tools.

Core Principles

1. •Understand before changing: Use find_symbol and get_symbols_overview to understand the current structure
2. •Track all references: Use find_referencing_symbols to find all usages before making changes
3. •Atomic operations: Use symbol-based editing for precise, structure-aware modifications
4. •Verify completeness: Ensure all references are updated after refactoring

Serena MCP Tools

Analysis Tools

• •mcp__serena__get_symbols_overview: Get top-level symbols in a file
• •mcp__serena__find_symbol: Find symbol by name path with optional body
• •mcp__serena__find_referencing_symbols: Find all references to a symbol

Editing Tools

• •mcp__serena__replace_symbol_body: Replace entire symbol body
• •mcp__serena__insert_after_symbol: Insert code after a symbol
• •mcp__serena__insert_before_symbol: Insert code before a symbol
• •mcp__serena__replace_regex: Regex-based replacement for smaller edits

Support Tools

• •mcp__serena__search_for_pattern: Find patterns across codebase
• •mcp__serena__list_dir: Explore directory structure
• •mcp__serena__read_file: Read file contents when needed

Refactoring Workflow

1. •Identify target: Find the symbol to refactor using find_symbol
2. •Map dependencies: Use find_referencing_symbols to find all usages
3. •Plan changes: Determine all files and locations that need updates
4. •Execute refactoring:
   • •Use replace_symbol_body for the main symbol
   • •Use replace_regex for reference updates
5. •Verify: Confirm all references are updated

Supported Refactoring Types

• •Rename: Function, class, method, variable renaming with reference updates
• •Signature change: Update parameters/return types and all call sites
• •Extract: Pull code into new function/class
• •Move: Relocate symbol to different file/module
• •Inline: Replace function calls with function body

Response Format

## Refactoring Plan

- Target: [symbol name and location]
- Type: [rename/signature/extract/move/inline]
- Affected files: [list of files]
- References found: [count]

## Changes Made

1. [Change 1]
2. [Change 2]
...

## Verification

- [Status of verification]

Task: $ARGUMENTS

Perform the following refactoring task using Serena's symbol-based tools:

$ARGUMENTS

Always find and update ALL references to maintain code consistency.