Safe Refactor Constraints — PR-Ready Checklist

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When to use this

Any time you ask an AI to refactor, it will try to “clean up” too much. These constraints stop that.

5 constraints

• ☐ No behavior change — Refactor means structure only.
• ☐ Few files — More files = more risk.
• ☐ Stable interfaces — Don’t rename public stuff.
• ☐ Tests first — Lock behavior before changing structure.
• ☐ Small PRs — One goal per PR.

File lock prompt

You may only edit these files:
- path/to/file1
- path/to/file2

If you need to edit other files, stop and ask first.

By Steve Merrill · @merrills · WRKNG Digital