This skill should be used when the user asks to "rename function", "refactor code", "rename symbol across codebase", "change function signature", "restructure code safely", or mentions Serena's rename_symbol or replace_symbol_body tools.
View on GitHubserena-integration/skills/serena-refactor/SKILL.md
February 1, 2026
Select agents to install to:
npx add-skill https://github.com/anilcancakir/claude-code-plugins/blob/main/serena-integration/skills/serena-refactor/SKILL.md -a claude-code --skill serena-refactorInstallation paths:
.claude/skills/serena-refactor/# Serena Safe Refactoring
## Cross-Codebase Rename
```
rename_symbol(old_name="calcTax", new_name="calculate_tax")
```
- Updates ALL references automatically
- Works across files
- Handles imports/exports
## Replace Function Body
```
replace_symbol_body(symbol_name="process_payment", new_body="...")
```
- Preserves function signature
- Safer than text replacement
- Maintains formatting
## Pre-Refactoring Checklist
1. **Check impact**:
```
find_referencing_symbols("function_to_change")
```
Review all affected locations before changing.
2. **Verify tests exist**:
```
find_symbol("test_function_to_change")
```
3. **Run tests after**:
```bash
pytest tests/test_module.py -v
```
## Common Patterns
### Rename Function
```
find_referencing_symbols("old_name") # Check impact
rename_symbol(old_name="old_name", new_name="new_name")
# Run tests
```
### Replace Implementation
```
find_symbol("function_name", include_body=true) # See current
replace_symbol_body("function_name", new_body="...")
# Run tests
```
## Safety Notes
- Always check references before renaming
- Run tests after each refactoring step
- Document patterns in Serena memory for future reference