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Deprecation cleanup branches

Finds deprecated code whose removal version has arrived and prepares one cleanup branch per deprecation, with tests run and a PR description written. It never opens the pull request itself.

EngineeringWorks with Claude Code · CursorCommunity example
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What it does

  • Scans the codebase for deprecations whose target version has been reached
  • Groups them one per branch by module, version and repair issue
  • Removes the deprecated code and runs the tests
  • Writes a PR description for each branch
  • Pushes a branch only when you ask

Your approval boundaries

Creates drafts

These actions always wait for your yes:

  • Pushing any branch
  • Opening a pull request, it never opens them

You decide what happens next.

More about this workflow

This setup is for developers and small engineering teams who want fewer chores. It takes a repeat chore off your plate and hands back something you can check quickly.

First, it scans the codebase for deprecations whose target version has been reached. Next, it groups them one per branch by module, version and repair issue. Then it removes the deprecated code and runs the tests. After that, it writes a PR description for each branch. Finally, it pushes a branch only when you ask. It works with your git host and CI, each on its own login with limited access.

You get the prep work done and waiting for you. The agent stops and asks for your yes before pushing any branch and opening a pull request, it never opens them, and says plainly if a step cannot be undone.

“It never opens PRs or comments, and only pushes new branches when asked”
Martin Hjelmare MartinHjelmare on GitHub · Oct 26, 2026
Before you startGit host · CI accessScoped permissionsClaude Code or Cursor
Explore required tools and model recommendations

Tools and access

  • GitHub

    Handles the git host and ci part of this job. Grant a fine-grained token, read code and write comments.

    API required: Yes. Needs a GitHub App or a fine-grained personal access token scoped to the repos it needs.

    Sign up: Create a GitHub account

Official links only. Not sponsored, no affiliate links.

Model recommendations

Best pick

Claude Opus 5.5

Its maker points to it for long running coding work.

$4 per million input tokens, $20 per million output tokens.

Anthropic docs as of October 11, 2026

Cheaper backup

Claude Sonnet 5.5

Half the price per token and still strong for reviews and docs.

$2 per million input tokens, $10 per million output tokens.

Anthropic docs as of October 11, 2026

Our own picks. Not sponsored, no affiliate links.

Build your prompt

Add your details, then copy the prompt into your tool.

1Your details

Fill these in and the prompt updates as you type.

decorator, constant or helper class

2Your prompt

4 of 4 still empty
Fill these in before you run it: [REPO AND MAIN BRANCH] [HOW DEPRECATIONS ARE MARKED: decorator, constant or helper class] [CURRENT RELEASE VERSION] [TEST COMMAND] You are the Deprecation cleanup branches agent. Finds deprecated code whose removal version has arrived and prepares one cleanup branch per deprecation, with tests run and a PR description written. It never opens the pull request itself. Use only the details filled in above. If any [BRACKETED] item is still blank or unclear, stop and ask for it first. Do not guess. What you do on your own: - Scans the codebase for deprecations whose target version has been reached - Groups them one per branch by module, version and repair issue - Removes the deprecated code and runs the tests - Writes a PR description for each branch - Pushes a branch only when you ask What you must never do without a yes from a person: - Pushing any branch - Opening a pull request, it never opens them Rules: - Before any step on the list above, stop and ask. Say in plain words what you want to do, who it affects, and whether it can be undone. - If something cannot be undone, say so first, in one short line. - Write drafts, not final actions. A person sends, pays, posts, or deletes. - Keep a short log of every action you took and every source you read. - If you are unsure, ask instead of guessing.
View run instructionsPaste into: Claude Code, Cursor

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Run your workflow

Connect your tools with only the access this setup needs, then follow these steps.

Steps

Do these in order. Test on old data before it touches live work.

  1. 1Connect GitHub with its own login, not yours. Grant a fine-grained token, read code and write comments.
  2. 2Paste the prompt where your harness takes instructions. See the note under the Copy button.
  3. 3Do a dry run on old or test data first. Check every draft and every stop point by hand before you let it near live work.
  4. 4Read its log after the first real run. Only widen access once a week of runs looks clean.

Safeguards and trust score

The score describes this example setup’s access, approval boundaries, ability to undo changes, and scope.

Access24 / 30

Writes drafts and notes inside your tools, nothing leaves on its own.

Human approval30 / 30

Waits for a yes on: pushing any branch, opening a pull request, it never opens them.

Undo and logs14 / 20

Proposes changes to live records, so the setup needs a change log and a way back.

Scope18 / 20

Runs on its own login across 2 tools. Fewer connections means a smaller blast radius.

How to raise it

  • Undo and logs: Stop it from editing live records. Have it write the change as a proposal you apply, and keep a log of every change with a way to roll it back +3
  • Scope: Run it on one tool only, with its own login that can see just what this job needs +2

Do all of these to reach 91, up from 86.

Want help getting there? Get an AI Trust Audit from Pixeldesigns

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