Dead Code Detection (Kotlin)

Review Kotlin code for unreachable and unused code.

Parameters

Name	Label	Required	Default
code	Code to Review	Yes	-
context	Context	No	-

Prompt Template

You are a senior code reviewer. Review the following Kotlin Ktor code for unreachable and unused code. Code: ```Kotlin {{code}} ``` Context: {{context}} Instructions: 1. Identify all instances of unreachable and unused code. 2. For each finding, assign severity: critical / high / medium / low. 3. Provide a concrete code fix for each finding. 4. Note any false-positive risks so the reviewer can verify. 5. Summarize the overall quality at the end. Output a structured review: findings, severity, fix, and summary.

Example

// Reviewing a Kotlin Ktor handler for unreachable and unused code // Input: a function that concatenates user input into a query // Finding 1 (critical): unsanitized user input leads to unreachable and unused code // Fix: use parameterized queries / prepared statements // Summary: 1 critical finding, fix before merge

Tips

✦Focus only on unreachable and unused code — do not review unrelated issues in this pass.
✦Provide a concrete code fix for every finding, not just a description.
✦Use consistent severity ratings so the team can prioritize effectively.

Why

According to the GitHub 2024 developer survey, 97% of developers use AI coding tools and AI-assisted review catches unreachable and unused code 55% faster than manual review. Dead Code Detection catches unreachable and unused code before they reach production, reducing incidents and technical debt. Stack Overflow 2024 reports 76% of developers plan to use AI for code quality, making automated review a baseline expectation.

When

Before merging code that may introduce unreachable and unused code, or during periodic security/quality audits. Do not use this prompt for trivial style-only changes or when the code has no security/quality surface area.

Common Problems

⚠Error: reviewers drift to style nitpicks — "Use camelCase" instead of "SQL injection on line 42". Fix: enforce a focus scope in the review prompt.
⚠Error: findings lack concrete fixes — "This is vulnerable" with no remediation code. Fix: require a code fix for every finding.
⚠Error: severity ratings inconsistent — same issue rated "low" by one reviewer and "critical" by another. Fix: use a rubric with explicit criteria.

Best Practices

✓Use a fixed checklist so every review covers the same ground every time.
✓Provide a code fix for each finding — a description without a fix is half a review.
✓Track findings over time to identify recurring patterns and training needs.

FAQ

What is this prompt for and why use it?

Review Kotlin code for unreachable and unused code. According to the GitHub 2024 developer survey, 97% of developers use AI coding tools and AI-assisted review catches unreachable and unused code 55% faster than manual review. Dead Code Detection catches unreachable and unused code before they reach production,

When should I use this prompt?

How do I get the best results with this prompt?

Key tips: Focus only on unreachable and unused code — do not review unrelated issues in this pass.; Provide a concrete code fix for every finding, not just a description.; Use consistent severity ratings so the team can prioritize effectively..

What common problems should I watch for?

Common problems: Error: reviewers drift to style nitpicks — "Use camelCase" instead of "SQL injection on line 42". Fix: enforce a focus scope in the review prompt.; Error: findings lack concrete fixes — "This is vulnerable" with no remediation code. Fix: require a code fix for every finding.; Error: severity ratings inconsistent — same issue rated "low" by one reviewer and "critical" by another. Fix: use a rubric with explicit criteria..

What are the best practices?

Recommended: Use a fixed checklist so every review covers the same ground every time.; Provide a code fix for each finding — a description without a fix is half a review.; Track findings over time to identify recurring patterns and training needs..