# Code Dead Code

> Detect dead code, unused exports, unreachable branches, and orphaned files.

Detect dead code, unused exports, unreachable branches, and orphaned files. Use when reducing maintenance burden, cleaning up after refactors, or auditing codebase health.

- Page: https://ss33.ai/skills/laurigates/code-dead-code-80251058673
- Publisher: laurigates
- Category: [Software Development](https://ss33.ai/skills/category/software-development-t44z8z) › [Testing & QA](https://ss33.ai/skills/category/software-development-t44z8z/testing-and-qa-g56s6z)
- License: MIT
- Source: https://github.com/laurigates/claude-plugins/blob/f8dc5cd452a2ed3af86ab7e65949e0653e88127f/code-quality-plugin/skills/code-dead-code/SKILL.md

## Skill

SKILL.md: https://ss33.ai/api/v1/ss33/download/laurigates/code-dead-code-80251058673

# /code:dead-code

Detect and report dead code across languages.

## When to Use This Skill

| Use this skill when... | Use something else when... |
|---|---|
| Cleaning up after a major refactor | Setting up dead code tooling → /configure:dead-code |
| Auditing codebase for unused exports | Looking for duplicated code → /code:dry-consolidation |
| Reducing bundle size by removing dead code | Looking for anti-patterns → /code:antipatterns |
| Pre-merge cleanup of feature branches | Need full code review → /code:review |

## Context

- Package files: !`find . -maxdepth 1 \( -name "package.json" -o -name "pyproject.toml" -o -name "Cargo.toml" \) -type f`
- Knip config: !`find . -maxdepth 1 \( -name "knip.json" -o -name "knip.jsonc" -o -name ".knip.json" \) -type f`

## Parameters

- `$1`: Path to scan (defaults to current directory)
- `--tool`: Force specific tool (knip, vulture, machete)
- `--fix`: Automatically remove detected dead code where safe

## Execution

Execute this dead code detection workflow:

### Step 1: Detect project type and available tools

Check which languages are present and which dead code tools are available:
- JavaScript/TypeScript: Check for knip or ts-prune
- Python: Check for vulture
- Rust: Check for cargo-machete

If no tool is available, report which tool to install and suggest `/configure:dead-code` to set up the project.

### Step 2: Run dead code detection

**JavaScript/TypeScript (Knip):**
```bash
npx knip --reporter compact
```

If Knip is not configured:
```bash
npx knip --reporter compact --include files,exports,dependencies
```

**Python (Vulture):**
```bash
vulture ${1:-.} --min-confidence 80
```

**Rust (cargo-machete):**
```bash
cargo machete
```

### Step 3: Categorize findings

Group results by severity:

| Category | Severity | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Unused dependencies | High | Remove from package manifest |
| Unused exports | Medium | Remove export, check downstream |
| Unused files | Medium | Delete after confirming no dynamic imports |
| Unused variables/functions | Low | Remove if truly dead |

### Step 4: Apply fixes (if --fix)

If `--fix` flag is set:
1. Remove unused dependencies: update package.json/pyproject.toml/Cargo.toml
2. Remove unused exports (only if no external consumers)
3. Delete orphaned files (confirm no dynamic imports/requires reference them)
4. Run project tests to verify nothing broke

If `--fix` is not set, present a summary report with actionable items.

### Step 5: Report results

Print summary:
```
Dead Code Report
================
Unused files: N
Unused exports: N
Unused dependencies: N
Total dead code: N items

Top items to remove:
- [file:export] reason
```

## Post-Actions

- If many unused dependencies found → suggest `npm prune` or equivalent
- If no dead code tool configured → suggest `/configure:dead-code`
- If fixes applied → suggest running tests with `/test:run`

## Agentic Optimizations

| Context | Command |
|---|---|
| Quick JS/TS scan | `npx knip --reporter compact --include files,exports` |
| Python scan | `vulture . --min-confidence 80` |
| Rust scan | `cargo machete` |
| CI mode | `npx knip --reporter json` |
| Exports only | `npx knip --include exports --reporter compact` |