ReplyNowEpic4.md

Epic 4: Modular Code Structure Task List

This task list breaks down Epic 4 for ReplyNow into sequential, actionable steps. Each task includes dependencies (if any), estimated effort (low/medium/high based on complexity in vanilla HTML/CSS/JS), and success criteria. Tasks are grouped by feature for clarity but can be tackled in order. Assume the project setup from Epics 1-3 (e.g., index.html, styles.css, separate JS files like input.js, replyGenerator.js, output.js, and a main.js) is in place. This epic focuses on enforcing modularity and SOLID principles without adding new features—refactor if needed. Use Git for version control—commit after each major task.

Feature 4.1: Module Separation

1. Create separate JS files for each module

   • Description: Organize code into distinct files for InputModule, ReplyGenerator, OutputModule.
   • Details: If not already done, create input.js, replyGenerator.js, output.js. Move existing code from prior epics into these (e.g., event listeners to input.js, template logic to replyGenerator.js, DOM updates to output.js). Ensure each is a class or object with exported functions.
   • Dependencies: Epics 1-3 completed (code exists to refactor).
   • Effort: Medium.
   • Success Criteria: Files exist; app still runs without errors after moving code.
   • Commit Message: "Create separate JS files for core modules"

2. Implement ES6 import/export in modules

   • Description: Use modern module syntax to connect files.
   • Details: In each module file, use export class InputModule { ... } or export const ReplyGenerator = { ... }; In main.js, import { InputModule } from './input.js'; etc. Update any global references to use imports. Add type="module" to <script> tag in index.html if needed.
   • Dependencies: Task 1.
   • Effort: Medium.
   • Success Criteria: Console shows no import errors; modules load correctly.
   • Commit Message: "Add ES6 import/export for module connectivity"

3. Initialize modules in main.js

   • Description: Create a central entry point to instantiate and wire modules.
   • Details: In main.js: const input = new InputModule(); const generator = new ReplyGenerator(); const output = new OutputModule(); input.init(generator, output); // Pass dependencies if needed. Call init methods to set up event listeners.
   • Dependencies: Task 2.
   • Effort: Low.
   • Success Criteria: App initializes on load; full flow works via module interactions.
   • Commit Message: "Set up module initialization in main.js"

4. Enforce single responsibility per module

   • Description: Audit and refactor code to ensure SOLID compliance.
   • Details: InputModule: Only handles inputs/validation/events (no generation or DOM writes). ReplyGenerator: Pure logic for templates/parsing (no DOM or inputs). OutputModule: Only DOM reads/writes (e.g., renderReply, copy). Move any mixed code (e.g., if validation touches DOM, abstract to OutputModule).
   • Dependencies: Tasks 1-3.
   • Effort: High.
   • Success Criteria: Each module has isolated concerns; changing one doesn't break others.
   • Commit Message: "Refactor for single responsibility in modules"

5. Remove direct DOM manipulation from non-UI modules

   • Description: Ensure only OutputModule touches the DOM.
   • Details: Scan input.js and replyGenerator.js for document.getElementById or similar; refactor to pass data to OutputModule methods (e.g., input.validate() returns boolean/errors, output.showError(errorMsg)). Use callbacks or events if needed for loose coupling.
   • Dependencies: Task 4.
   • Effort: Medium.
   • Success Criteria: Non-UI modules have zero DOM code; app functions identically.
   • Commit Message: "Isolate DOM manipulation to OutputModule"

6. Add dependency injection for better testability

   • Description: Pass dependencies (e.g., generator to input) rather than hardcoding.
   • Details: In InputModule constructor: constructor(generator, output) { this.generator = generator; this.output = output; } Then, on generate: this.output.renderReply(this.generator.generate(...)); Avoid global variables.
   • Dependencies: Task 3.
   • Effort: Medium.
   • Success Criteria: Modules are injectable; easy to mock for future tests.
   • Commit Message: "Implement dependency injection across modules"

Post-Feature Integration and Testing

7. Write basic unit tests for modules

   • Description: Add simple tests to verify modularity (optional but recommended for SOLID).
   • Details: Use console-based tests or a simple framework like plain asserts. E.g., in a test.js: Test ReplyGenerator.generate() returns string; Test InputModule.validate() without DOM. Run manually.
   • Dependencies: Tasks 1-6.
   • Effort: High.
   • Success Criteria: Tests pass; cover key methods in each module.
   • Commit Message: "Add basic unit tests for module isolation"

8. End-to-End Testing for Epic 4

   • Description: Verify the refactored modular structure doesn't break the app.
   • Details: Run full user flow: Paste email, select, generate, display, copy. Check console for errors; ensure no cross-module leaks. Test on desktop/mobile; confirm <30s timing still holds.
   • Dependencies: All above (and Epics 1-3).
   • Effort: High.
   • Success Criteria: App is fully functional, modular, and adheres to SOLID; ready for deployment or further stacks.
   • Commit Message: "Epic 4 E2E testing and final refactoring fixes"

Once this task list is complete, Epic 4 will ensure a clean, maintainable codebase. This concludes the breakdown for ReplyNow—let me know if you'd like to proceed to OneThing or refine anything!