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How to Use AdaL for Refactoring with constraints
Learn AdaL refactoring with constraints with step by step workflows, realistic examples, and verified plan notes.
AdaL works well for refactoring with constraints when you run it like production work: locked brief, SOURCE facts, then subagent route focused on lint cleanup. Confirm live plans on adalagent.ai. Start at /explore/adal.
This guide focuses on refactoring with constraints in detail. Related AdaL articles: /blog/how-to-use-adal-for-documentation-updates, /blog/how-to-use-adal-for-bug-fix-with-reproduction-steps, /blog/how-to-use-adal-for-multi-file-feature-implementation.
When this workflow is the right job
Use refactoring with constraints when the deliverable is specifically this AdaL job. Switch to cli coding tasks with tests when that workflow already owns the asset.
Step by step workflow
1. Brief Refactoring with constraints
Write what must stay true for refactoring with constraints in AdaL before settings or spend.
Brief: Refactoring with constraints Keep: API freeze from SOURCE Avoid: invented pricing or features Success: one reviewable output
2. Open AdaL for Refactoring with constraints
Use the AdaL surface that owns refactoring with constraints. Do not mix a neighboring workflow in the same pass.
Surface: Refactoring with constraints Start: run tests Plans: adalagent.ai
3. Pilot Refactoring with constraints
Run a single refactoring with constraints pilot. Score clarity, grounding, and whether test driven still matches.
Pilot: Refactoring with constraints [ ] SOURCE facts match [ ] dependency bump clear [ ] Settings logged
4. Refine Refactoring with constraints
Change one refactoring with constraints dimension only. Save a template with variables for worker agent.
Refine: Refactoring with constraints Change: CI green Keep: SOURCE and minimal diff
Practical refactoring with constraints examples
API freeze
Scenario: A developer uses AdaL for refactoring with constraints scoped to "API freeze". Objective: Make a minimal, test-backed change that satisfies API freeze without drive-by refactors or public API breaks. Inputs: - Failing test or reproduction for API freeze - File/path scope - Repo CI command - API freeze constraints Workflow: Read failing test → Plan minimal diff → Edit → Run CI command → Summarize files touched Requirements: - Minimal diff; no unrelated refactors. - Do not change public API signatures unless required for API freeze. - Run the documented test/CI command. - Do not invent secrets or environment values. Expected output: A reviewable patch for refactoring with constraints addressing API freeze, with test results and a short file list.
RFC compare
Scenario: A developer uses AdaL for refactoring with constraints scoped to "RFC compare". Objective: Make a minimal, test-backed change that satisfies RFC compare without drive-by refactors or public API breaks. Inputs: - Failing test or reproduction for RFC compare - File/path scope - Repo CI command - API freeze constraints Workflow: Read failing test → Plan minimal diff → Edit → Run CI command → Summarize files touched Requirements: - Minimal diff; no unrelated refactors. - Do not change public API signatures unless required for RFC compare. - Run the documented test/CI command. - Do not invent secrets or environment values. Expected output: A reviewable patch for refactoring with constraints addressing RFC compare, with test results and a short file list.
symbol scoped
Scenario: A developer uses AdaL for refactoring with constraints scoped to "symbol scoped". Objective: Make a minimal, test-backed change that satisfies symbol scoped without drive-by refactors or public API breaks. Inputs: - Failing test or reproduction for symbol scoped - File/path scope - Repo CI command - API freeze constraints Workflow: Read failing test → Plan minimal diff → Edit → Run CI command → Summarize files touched Requirements: - Minimal diff; no unrelated refactors. - Do not change public API signatures unless required for symbol scoped. - Run the documented test/CI command. - Do not invent secrets or environment values. Expected output: A reviewable patch for refactoring with constraints addressing symbol scoped, with test results and a short file list.
type error
Scenario: A developer uses AdaL for refactoring with constraints scoped to "type error". Objective: Make a minimal, test-backed change that satisfies type error without drive-by refactors or public API breaks. Inputs: - Failing test or reproduction for type error - File/path scope - Repo CI command - API freeze constraints Workflow: Read failing test → Plan minimal diff → Edit → Run CI command → Summarize files touched Requirements: - Minimal diff; no unrelated refactors. - Do not change public API signatures unless required for type error. - Run the documented test/CI command. - Do not invent secrets or environment values. Expected output: A reviewable patch for refactoring with constraints addressing type error, with test results and a short file list.
flaky test
Scenario: A developer uses AdaL for refactoring with constraints scoped to "flaky test". Objective: Make a minimal, test-backed change that satisfies flaky test without drive-by refactors or public API breaks. Inputs: - Failing test or reproduction for flaky test - File/path scope - Repo CI command - API freeze constraints Workflow: Read failing test → Plan minimal diff → Edit → Run CI command → Summarize files touched Requirements: - Minimal diff; no unrelated refactors. - Do not change public API signatures unless required for flaky test. - Run the documented test/CI command. - Do not invent secrets or environment values. Expected output: A reviewable patch for refactoring with constraints addressing flaky test, with test results and a short file list.
migration script
Scenario: A developer uses AdaL for refactoring with constraints scoped to "migration script". Objective: Make a minimal, test-backed change that satisfies migration script without drive-by refactors or public API breaks. Inputs: - Failing test or reproduction for migration script - File/path scope - Repo CI command - API freeze constraints Workflow: Read failing test → Plan minimal diff → Edit → Run CI command → Summarize files touched Requirements: - Minimal diff; no unrelated refactors. - Do not change public API signatures unless required for migration script. - Run the documented test/CI command. - Do not invent secrets or environment values. Expected output: A reviewable patch for refactoring with constraints addressing migration script, with test results and a short file list.
lint cleanup
Scenario: A developer uses AdaL for refactoring with constraints scoped to "lint cleanup". Objective: Make a minimal, test-backed change that satisfies lint cleanup without drive-by refactors or public API breaks. Inputs: - Failing test or reproduction for lint cleanup - File/path scope - Repo CI command - API freeze constraints Workflow: Read failing test → Plan minimal diff → Edit → Run CI command → Summarize files touched Requirements: - Minimal diff; no unrelated refactors. - Do not change public API signatures unless required for lint cleanup. - Run the documented test/CI command. - Do not invent secrets or environment values. Expected output: A reviewable patch for refactoring with constraints addressing lint cleanup, with test results and a short file list.
dependency bump
Scenario: A developer uses AdaL for refactoring with constraints scoped to "dependency bump". Objective: Make a minimal, test-backed change that satisfies dependency bump without drive-by refactors or public API breaks. Inputs: - Failing test or reproduction for dependency bump - File/path scope - Repo CI command - API freeze constraints Workflow: Read failing test → Plan minimal diff → Edit → Run CI command → Summarize files touched Requirements: - Minimal diff; no unrelated refactors. - Do not change public API signatures unless required for dependency bump. - Run the documented test/CI command. - Do not invent secrets or environment values. Expected output: A reviewable patch for refactoring with constraints addressing dependency bump, with test results and a short file list.
perf hotspot
Scenario: A developer uses AdaL for refactoring with constraints scoped to "perf hotspot". Objective: Make a minimal, test-backed change that satisfies perf hotspot without drive-by refactors or public API breaks. Inputs: - Failing test or reproduction for perf hotspot - File/path scope - Repo CI command - API freeze constraints Workflow: Read failing test → Plan minimal diff → Edit → Run CI command → Summarize files touched Requirements: - Minimal diff; no unrelated refactors. - Do not change public API signatures unless required for perf hotspot. - Run the documented test/CI command. - Do not invent secrets or environment values. Expected output: A reviewable patch for refactoring with constraints addressing perf hotspot, with test results and a short file list.
security review
Scenario: A developer uses AdaL for refactoring with constraints scoped to "security review". Objective: Make a minimal, test-backed change that satisfies security review without drive-by refactors or public API breaks. Inputs: - Failing test or reproduction for security review - File/path scope - Repo CI command - API freeze constraints Workflow: Read failing test → Plan minimal diff → Edit → Run CI command → Summarize files touched Requirements: - Minimal diff; no unrelated refactors. - Do not change public API signatures unless required for security review. - Run the documented test/CI command. - Do not invent secrets or environment values. Expected output: A reviewable patch for refactoring with constraints addressing security review, with test results and a short file list.
docs sync
Scenario: A developer uses AdaL for refactoring with constraints scoped to "docs sync". Objective: Make a minimal, test-backed change that satisfies docs sync without drive-by refactors or public API breaks. Inputs: - Failing test or reproduction for docs sync - File/path scope - Repo CI command - API freeze constraints Workflow: Read failing test → Plan minimal diff → Edit → Run CI command → Summarize files touched Requirements: - Minimal diff; no unrelated refactors. - Do not change public API signatures unless required for docs sync. - Run the documented test/CI command. - Do not invent secrets or environment values. Expected output: A reviewable patch for refactoring with constraints addressing docs sync, with test results and a short file list.
worker agent
Scenario: A developer uses AdaL for refactoring with constraints scoped to "worker agent". Objective: Make a minimal, test-backed change that satisfies worker agent without drive-by refactors or public API breaks. Inputs: - Failing test or reproduction for worker agent - File/path scope - Repo CI command - API freeze constraints Workflow: Read failing test → Plan minimal diff → Edit → Run CI command → Summarize files touched Requirements: - Minimal diff; no unrelated refactors. - Do not change public API signatures unless required for worker agent. - Run the documented test/CI command. - Do not invent secrets or environment values. Expected output: A reviewable patch for refactoring with constraints addressing worker agent, with test results and a short file list.
patch release
Scenario: A developer uses AdaL for refactoring with constraints scoped to "patch release". Objective: Make a minimal, test-backed change that satisfies patch release without drive-by refactors or public API breaks. Inputs: - Failing test or reproduction for patch release - File/path scope - Repo CI command - API freeze constraints Workflow: Read failing test → Plan minimal diff → Edit → Run CI command → Summarize files touched Requirements: - Minimal diff; no unrelated refactors. - Do not change public API signatures unless required for patch release. - Run the documented test/CI command. - Do not invent secrets or environment values. Expected output: A reviewable patch for refactoring with constraints addressing patch release, with test results and a short file list.
smoke suite
Scenario: A developer uses AdaL for refactoring with constraints scoped to "smoke suite". Objective: Make a minimal, test-backed change that satisfies smoke suite without drive-by refactors or public API breaks. Inputs: - Failing test or reproduction for smoke suite - File/path scope - Repo CI command - API freeze constraints Workflow: Read failing test → Plan minimal diff → Edit → Run CI command → Summarize files touched Requirements: - Minimal diff; no unrelated refactors. - Do not change public API signatures unless required for smoke suite. - Run the documented test/CI command. - Do not invent secrets or environment values. Expected output: A reviewable patch for refactoring with constraints addressing smoke suite, with test results and a short file list.
auth test fix
Scenario: A developer uses AdaL for refactoring with constraints scoped to "auth test fix". Objective: Make a minimal, test-backed change that satisfies auth test fix without drive-by refactors or public API breaks. Inputs: - Failing test or reproduction for auth test fix - File/path scope - Repo CI command - API freeze constraints Workflow: Read failing test → Plan minimal diff → Edit → Run CI command → Summarize files touched Requirements: - Minimal diff; no unrelated refactors. - Do not change public API signatures unless required for auth test fix. - Run the documented test/CI command. - Do not invent secrets or environment values. Expected output: A reviewable patch for refactoring with constraints addressing auth test fix, with test results and a short file list.
Deep Research memo
Scenario: A developer uses AdaL for refactoring with constraints scoped to "Deep Research memo". Objective: Make a minimal, test-backed change that satisfies Deep Research memo without drive-by refactors or public API breaks. Inputs: - Failing test or reproduction for Deep Research memo - File/path scope - Repo CI command - API freeze constraints Workflow: Read failing test → Plan minimal diff → Edit → Run CI command → Summarize files touched Requirements: - Minimal diff; no unrelated refactors. - Do not change public API signatures unless required for Deep Research memo. - Run the documented test/CI command. - Do not invent secrets or environment values. Expected output: A reviewable patch for refactoring with constraints addressing Deep Research memo, with test results and a short file list.
refactor validateEmail
Scenario: A developer uses AdaL for refactoring with constraints scoped to "refactor validateEmail". Objective: Make a minimal, test-backed change that satisfies refactor validateEmail without drive-by refactors or public API breaks. Inputs: - Failing test or reproduction for refactor validateEmail - File/path scope - Repo CI command - API freeze constraints Workflow: Read failing test → Plan minimal diff → Edit → Run CI command → Summarize files touched Requirements: - Minimal diff; no unrelated refactors. - Do not change public API signatures unless required for refactor validateEmail. - Run the documented test/CI command. - Do not invent secrets or environment values. Expected output: A reviewable patch for refactoring with constraints addressing refactor validateEmail, with test results and a short file list.
README install
Scenario: A developer uses AdaL for refactoring with constraints scoped to "README install". Objective: Make a minimal, test-backed change that satisfies README install without drive-by refactors or public API breaks. Inputs: - Failing test or reproduction for README install - File/path scope - Repo CI command - API freeze constraints Workflow: Read failing test → Plan minimal diff → Edit → Run CI command → Summarize files touched Requirements: - Minimal diff; no unrelated refactors. - Do not change public API signatures unless required for README install. - Run the documented test/CI command. - Do not invent secrets or environment values. Expected output: A reviewable patch for refactoring with constraints addressing README install, with test results and a short file list.
bug repro
Scenario: A developer uses AdaL for refactoring with constraints scoped to "bug repro". Objective: Make a minimal, test-backed change that satisfies bug repro without drive-by refactors or public API breaks. Inputs: - Failing test or reproduction for bug repro - File/path scope - Repo CI command - API freeze constraints Workflow: Read failing test → Plan minimal diff → Edit → Run CI command → Summarize files touched Requirements: - Minimal diff; no unrelated refactors. - Do not change public API signatures unless required for bug repro. - Run the documented test/CI command. - Do not invent secrets or environment values. Expected output: A reviewable patch for refactoring with constraints addressing bug repro, with test results and a short file list.
feature branch
Scenario: A developer uses AdaL for refactoring with constraints scoped to "feature branch". Objective: Make a minimal, test-backed change that satisfies feature branch without drive-by refactors or public API breaks. Inputs: - Failing test or reproduction for feature branch - File/path scope - Repo CI command - API freeze constraints Workflow: Read failing test → Plan minimal diff → Edit → Run CI command → Summarize files touched Requirements: - Minimal diff; no unrelated refactors. - Do not change public API signatures unless required for feature branch. - Run the documented test/CI command. - Do not invent secrets or environment values. Expected output: A reviewable patch for refactoring with constraints addressing feature branch, with test results and a short file list.
CI test pattern
Scenario: A developer uses AdaL for refactoring with constraints scoped to "CI test pattern". Objective: Make a minimal, test-backed change that satisfies CI test pattern without drive-by refactors or public API breaks. Inputs: - Failing test or reproduction for CI test pattern - File/path scope - Repo CI command - API freeze constraints Workflow: Read failing test → Plan minimal diff → Edit → Run CI command → Summarize files touched Requirements: - Minimal diff; no unrelated refactors. - Do not change public API signatures unless required for CI test pattern. - Run the documented test/CI command. - Do not invent secrets or environment values. Expected output: A reviewable patch for refactoring with constraints addressing CI test pattern, with test results and a short file list.
How to improve refactoring with constraints
Improve refactoring with constraints handoffs by recording which AdaL control produced the worker agent result.
Strengthen refactoring with constraints by adding a second reader who only checks patch release spelling and facts in AdaL.
Lift refactoring with constraints consistency by reusing the same read first vocabulary across related AdaL jobs.
Harden refactoring with constraints by testing an empty or incomplete auth test fix input before trusting AdaL defaults.
Cut noise from refactoring with constraints by removing extra adjectives while preserving Deep Research memo in AdaL.
Raise refactoring with constraints quality by insisting on cite official docs before any style debate in AdaL.
Make refactoring with constraints easier to review by labeling README install fields that must never change in AdaL.
Speed refactoring with constraints iteration by cloning the last good AdaL run and altering only commit message.
Prompting and usage guidance
Name the refactoring with constraints job, the audience, and one measurable success check before opening AdaL.
Paste only verified facts under SOURCE so AdaL cannot invent details during refactoring with constraints.
Specify the refactoring with constraints deliverable shape up front, such as scenes, bullets, rows, or a signed note.
Call out fixed migration script details versus flexible CLI goal choices for refactoring with constraints.
Close with a review line that asks AdaL to flag unsupported claims for refactoring with constraints.
Limitations to respect
Check AdaL plan gates for refactoring with constraints on adalagent.ai before you promise timelines.
Keep refactoring with constraints drafts unpublished until a human confirms SOURCE facts.
Plan and region differences can change refactoring with constraints availability. Prefer official AdaL docs.
Beta or preview labels on AdaL mean you should pilot refactoring with constraints before wide rollout.
Practical tips for this workflow
Review refactoring with constraints while context is fresh; delayed checks miss review friendly mismatches on patch release.
If refactoring with constraints touches compliance language about feature branch, lock verbatim strings outside AdaL first.
Retire refactoring with constraints templates when AdaL docs change names or gates for migration script workflows.
For refactoring with constraints, capture a before and after artifact of patch release every time AdaL settings change.
Teach refactoring with constraints operators where AdaL controls for CI green live so fixes are not person dependent.
Prefer idempotent refactoring with constraints steps when AdaL reruns are likely after a failed migration script pass.
Rank refactoring with constraints examples by reuse frequency, putting patch release patterns that win reviews at the top.
Close each refactoring with constraints session by noting the next CLI goal tweak to try in AdaL.
When stakeholders want premium refactoring with constraints polish, change review friendly before you rewrite migration script facts.
Budget a second refactoring with constraints pass focused on edge cases around patch release, not only the happy path in AdaL.
AdaL refactoring with constraints note: after subagent route, recheck CI test pattern against SOURCE and confirm CI strict still matches the brief.
AdaL refactoring with constraints note: after cite official docs, recheck API freeze against SOURCE and confirm minimal diff still matches the brief.
AdaL refactoring with constraints note: after worktree isolate, recheck RFC compare against SOURCE and confirm dev terse still matches the brief.
AdaL refactoring with constraints note: after commit message, recheck symbol scoped against SOURCE and confirm research cited still matches the brief.
AdaL refactoring with constraints note: after PR checklist, recheck type error against SOURCE and confirm safety constrained still matches the brief.
AdaL refactoring with constraints note: after CI green, recheck flaky test against SOURCE and confirm test driven still matches the brief.
AdaL refactoring with constraints note: after CLI goal, recheck migration script against SOURCE and confirm docs clear still matches the brief.
Common mistakes
- Skipping a written brief before starting refactoring with constraints in AdaL
- Inventing pricing, credits, or features not confirmed on official AdaL pages
- Scaling refactoring with constraints volume before one successful pilot
- Mixing a different AdaL workflow into the same refactoring with constraints session
- Ignoring plan gates while scheduling refactoring with constraints deadlines
- Publishing refactoring with constraints output without stakeholder review
For more on refactoring with constraints, see /blog/how-to-use-adal-for-documentation-updates, /blog/how-to-use-adal-for-bug-fix-with-reproduction-steps, /blog/how-to-use-adal-for-multi-file-feature-implementation. Hub: /explore/adal.