Change structure without changing behavior. Start with characterization tests and a call graph. Move one seam at a time, compare outputs and performance, and remove dead paths last.
Objective
change structure without behavior change.
Context
call graph, public interfaces, baseline tests and metrics.
Decompose
characterization tests, one seam at a time, compare outputs, remove dead path last.
Criteria
baseline tests, type/lint, performance or memory guard unchanged within agreed bounds.
Review/security
confirm logging, auth, and error semantics are unchanged.
Rollback
each seam is independently revertible.
Output
behavior matrix, measurements, known gaps.
Handoff checklist
- Baseline tests captured
- One seam per change
- Behavior and performance compared
- Each seam can be reverted
Editorial recipe adapted from the project’s September 2026 research brief. Commands, authority and acceptance tests must be matched to your repository. No production execution is implied.