---
name: Dead Code Detection
slug: dead-code-detection
category: Quality
description: Dead Code Detection finds unused functions and dead code in the codebase using TLDR static analysis. Use it to identify and remove dead code to keep the codebase clean.
github: "https://github.com/parcadei/Continuous-Claude-v3/tree/main/.claude/skills/dead-code"
language: Python
stars: 3902
forks: 296
install: "npx degit https://github.com/parcadei/Continuous-Claude-v3/tree/main/.claude/skills/dead-code ~/.claude/skills/dead-code"
installs_to: ~/.claude/skills/dead-code
source_path: .claude/skills/dead-code/SKILL.md
collection_size: 25
category_size: 1354
collection_url: "https://dirskills.com/collections/parcadei/Continuous-Claude-v3"
added: 2026-08-16T07:01:46.460Z
last_synced: 2026-08-16T07:01:46.460Z
canonical_url: "https://dirskills.com/skills/dead-code-detection"
---

# Dead Code Detection

Dead Code Detection finds unused functions and dead code in the codebase using TLDR static analysis. Use it to identify and remove dead code to keep the codebase clean.

**Install:**

```bash
npx degit https://github.com/parcadei/Continuous-Claude-v3/tree/main/.claude/skills/dead-code ~/.claude/skills/dead-code
```

## README

# Dead Code Detection

Find unused functions and dead code using TLDR static analysis.

## Quick Start

```bash
# Scan entire project
tldr dead .

# Scan specific directory
tldr dead src/

# Specify entry points (functions to exclude from analysis)
tldr dead . --entry main cli test_

# Specify language
tldr dead . --lang python
tldr dead . --lang typescript
```

## Output Format

```
Dead code analysis:
  Total functions: 150
  Dead functions: 12

Unused functions:
  - old_helper (src/utils.py:42)
  - deprecated_func (src/legacy.py:15)
  - _unused_method (src/api.py:230)
```

## Cross-Platform

Works on Windows, Mac, and Linux (including WSL).

```bash
# Windows (PowerShell)
tldr dead .

# Mac/Linux
tldr dead .
```

## Entry Points

Functions matching entry patterns are excluded from dead code analysis:
- `main`, `cli` - Application entry points
- `test_*`, `*_test` - Test functions
- `setup`, `teardown` - Fixtures
- `@app.route`, `@api.endpoint` - Framework handlers

```bash
# Custom entry points
tldr dead src/ --entry main api_handler background_job
```

## Integration

This skill replaces the session-start-dead-code hook with on-demand analysis.

| Approach | Pros | Cons |
|----------|------|------|
| Hook (removed) | Automatic | Slowed startup by 3s |
| Skill (this) | On-demand, fast | Manual invocation |

## Related Commands

```bash
# Impact analysis (who calls this?)
tldr impact func_name .

# Architecture layers
tldr arch src/

# Full codebase structure
tldr structure . --lang python
```