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Refactor

Gemini Coder's refactoring feature allows you to modify the current file based on a natural language instructions. This is perfect where code insertions at cursor position (Fill-In-the-Middle) aren't enough but it is at the cost of speed as the whole file is regenerated.

Structure of the generated message:

<files>
  [CONTEXT FILES]
  <file name="...">...</file> (current file)
</files>
User requested refactor of a file "[NAME]". In your response send fully updated file only, without explanations or any other text.
[REFACTORING INSTRUCTIONS]

How it works​

Select context​

Choose relevant files to provide the AI with necessary context about your codebase.

Choose target file​

Open the file you want to refactor in the editor.

Run command​

Execute one of the refactoring commands and provide your instruction.

Review changes​

The AI will generate a complete new version of your file with the requested changes.

Best practices​

Be specific​

Clearly describe what aspects of the code should change and why.

Select text​

Optionally select specific code blocks to focus the refactoring on particular sections.

Include context​

Select relevant files that contain patterns, conventions, or dependencies that should inform the refactoring.

Review changes​

Always carefully review the AI-generated changes before committing them.

Example instructions​

Here are some effective refactoring instructions:

  • "Refactor this code to use async/await instead of promises with .then()"
  • "Convert this class-based component to a functional component with hooks"
  • "Implement the repository pattern for database access in this file"
  • "Extract the duplicate logic into reusable functions"
  • "Refactor to follow the SOLID principles, focusing on single responsibility"

Available commands​

Gemini Coder: Refactor this File​

Refactors the current file using the default model.

Gemini Coder: Refactor this File with...​

Lets you select which model to use for refactoring.

Gemini Coder: Refactor to Clipboard​

Instead of applying changes directly, copies the refactoring prompt to your clipboard for use in other tools.

Gemini Coder: Change Default Refactoring Model​

Configure which model should be used as the default for refactoring.