Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about untangling AI-generated complexity
General Questions
StackDoctor specializes in cleaning up AI-generated codebases that have become too complex to work with effectively. We eliminate duplicate code, untangle architectural debt, and restore development velocity to teams trapped by their own technical complexity.
AI-generated code has specific patterns of complexity: massive duplication, tangled dependencies, and architectural debt that accumulates exponentially. We've developed specialized techniques for identifying and consolidating AI-generated functionality without breaking existing features.
Anyone whose development has slowed to a crawl due to code complexity. Common signs: simple changes take days, new features break existing ones, nobody fully understands the codebase, and developers are afraid to modify working code.
Technical Questions
We start by mapping your business logic and user functionality. Then we trace through all the different ways that functionality is implemented. Usually we find 3-5 different implementations of the same business logic scattered throughout the codebase.
No. Our goal is to preserve all functionality while eliminating complexity. We consolidate duplicate implementations into single, clean versions. Users see no difference - developers see dramatic simplification.
This is exactly what we specialize in. We've worked with codebases where changing one line could break features in completely different parts of the application. We have systematic approaches for untangling these dependencies safely.
Very carefully. We analyze all data usage patterns before making any changes. When we consolidate database logic, we ensure data integrity through comprehensive testing and gradual migration procedures.
Yes. AI complexity patterns are remarkably consistent across languages. Whether it's Python, JavaScript, Java, or any other language, the problems we solve are architectural rather than language-specific.
Project Questions
Most projects see 50-80% reduction in lines of code while preserving all functionality. The exact amount depends on how much duplication and unnecessary complexity accumulated during AI development.
Almost always faster. Most of the code we remove is redundant processing, inefficient queries, and unnecessary operations. Simplification usually improves performance dramatically.
We maintain complete git history and documentation of every change. If you ever need functionality we consolidated or removed, we can explain exactly what happened and help restore it if necessary.
Yes. We use staging environments, feature flags, and gradual rollout procedures. Most cleanup happens without any user-facing downtime or disruption.
Every project includes comprehensive testing protocols. We test all functionality before and after changes, maintain rollback procedures, and have never caused a production outage in our history.
Business Questions
Our Diagnostic Assessment gives us precise understanding of your complexity before we quote. We've done enough of these projects that we can accurately estimate effort required for different types of cleanup.
Most teams see 5-10x improvement in development velocity, which translates to much faster feature delivery and reduced engineering costs. The investment usually pays for itself within 2-3 months through improved productivity.
Now. Complexity accumulates exponentially - waiting makes the problem much more expensive to solve. Teams that clean up early maintain development velocity as they scale.
Start with our Diagnostic Assessment to understand the scope of your complexity. Many clients begin with a Rescue Sprint to get immediate relief, then plan a full transformation when timing is better.
Specific Scenarios
This is one of our most common scenarios. We specialize in reverse-engineering AI-generated systems to understand what they actually do vs. what they were intended to do, then consolidating and documenting everything clearly.
We restore development confidence by eliminating the tangled dependencies that make changes dangerous. After cleanup, your team can modify code safely because components don't mysteriously affect each other.
Usually yes. When feature development slows down dramatically, it's typically due to navigating unnecessary complexity rather than inherent difficulty. Most clients see 5-10x velocity improvement after cleanup.
Absolutely. Complex, duplicated code is nearly impossible to onboard people into. Simplified, well-organized code dramatically reduces the time needed for new developers to become productive.
Yes. We transform chaotic AI-generated prototypes into clean, professional codebases that demonstrate technical competence and engineering maturity during due diligence.
Getting Started
Email us at hello@stackdoctor.com describing what's making development difficult. We'll determine if complexity cleanup would help and explain how our process works.
Access to your code repository and 30 minutes to understand your current development challenges. Our Diagnostic Assessment process handles the detailed analysis automatically.
Our Diagnostic Assessment will clarify this quickly. If your problems aren't architectural, we'll tell you honestly and suggest better solutions.
We're very direct about fit. If your code is already well-organized or if complexity isn't your main issue, we'll tell you. We only take projects where we can deliver significant value.
Still have questions?
Email us at hello@stackdoctor.com or book a triage call. We're happy to discuss your specific situation and provide honest guidance about whether architectural cleanup would solve your development challenges.