ChatGPT Prompt for Refactoring Python Code

Use this ChatGPT prompt to refactor Python code. Copy the template, paste your code, and get a cleaner, more maintainable version with an explanation of each change.

Prompt Template

prompt.txt

You are a senior Python engineer.

Refactor the following Python code to improve:
1. Readability and clarity.
2. Maintainability and structure.
3. Performance where applicable.
4. Adherence to modern Python best practices.

For each change, add a brief inline comment explaining why the change was made.

Code:
[PASTE CODE HERE]

Open in ChatGPT Open in Claude

How to Use This Prompt

1Copy the prompt template above.
2Paste it into ChatGPT at chat.openai.com.
3Replace [PASTE CODE HERE] with the Python code you want to refactor.
4Optionally specify constraints, e.g. "do not change the function signature".
5Review the refactored version and the explanation of each change.

When to Use This Prompt

You have legacy Python code that is hard to maintain.
A code review flagged readability or complexity issues.
You want to modernise Python code to use current best practices.
You are onboarding to a codebase and need to understand it better.

Example Input

def get_active_users(users):
    result = []
    for i in range(len(users)):
        u = users[i]
        if u['active'] == True:
            result.append({'id': u['id'], 'name': u['name']})
    return result

Expected Output

The AI will rewrite the code using modern Python idioms, improve variable naming, reduce complexity, and add comments explaining each change.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can ChatGPT refactor Python code?

Yes. ChatGPT can refactor Python code to use modern patterns, improve variable naming, reduce complexity, and apply cleaner idioms. It works well for both small functions and larger modules.

What Python improvements does AI typically suggest?

Common improvements include adopting modern language features, improving naming conventions, removing unnecessary nesting, simplifying loops with higher-order functions, and applying consistent structure.

Will AI refactoring change the behaviour of my code?

AI aims to produce functionally equivalent refactored code, but subtle behaviour differences can occur — especially around edge cases or type coercion. Always run your test suite after applying AI-suggested refactors.

Is this prompt suitable for large Python files?

For large files, paste only the function or module you want to refactor rather than the entire file. This gives ChatGPT a focused context and produces more targeted suggestions.