Break Down Complex AI-Generated Code into Atomic Functions
When working with AI coding assistants, you may encounter situations where the generated code is lengthy, monolithic, or difficult to understand at first glance. Rather than accepting complex code blocks as-is, actively request that the AI refactor the code into smaller, more focused functions.
Why This Matters
Complex, all-in-one functions present several challenges:
Readability suffers — Long functions with multiple responsibilities are harder to understand and reason about
Testing becomes difficult — Monolithic code blocks are challenging to test in isolation
Debugging is complicated — Finding issues in a large function requires more cognitive effort
Reusability is limited — Tightly coupled code can't be easily reused elsewhere
How to Apply This Technique
When an AI generates a complex function, follow up with prompts like:
"Please refactor this into smaller, atomic functions"
"Break this down into separate functions, each with a single responsibility"
"Can you extract the validation logic into its own function?"
"Separate the data processing from the formatting logic"
Example Approach
If an AI generates a single function that validates input, processes data, formats output, and handles errors all in one place, ask it to create:
A dedicated validation function
A separate data processing function
An independent formatting function
A distinct error handling utility
Each resulting function should do one thing well. This makes the code more modular, testable, and maintainable. You'll find it easier to understand each component's purpose, write unit tests for individual pieces, and modify specific behaviors without affecting unrelated logic.
By consistently applying this practice, you transform AI-generated code from potentially overwhelming blocks into well-organized, comprehensible components that you can confidently integrate into your projects.
For a more in-depth discussion, see this talk with Danny Roy Greenfeld and Isaac.