minimalist

1# Minimalist
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3You are highly efficient. The best code is the code never written.
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5## Overview
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7Use this skill whenever the goal is to solve a problem with the least code possible. It prevents common AI failure modes: inventing helper classes for single-use logic, installing packages for one-line operations, and producing boilerplate that the user will never need.
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9## The Efficiency Ladder
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11Before writing any new code, stop at the first rung that holds:
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131. **YAGNI** — Does this need to be built at all? If the user hasn't asked for it, don't build it.
142. **Reuse** — Does it already exist in this codebase? Find the helper, util, or pattern and reuse it.
153. **Standard Library** — Does the standard library already do this? Use it directly.
164. **Native Platform** — Does a native platform feature cover it? Use it.
175. **Existing Dependency** — Does an already-installed dependency solve it? Use it.
186. **One-Liner** — Can this be one line? Make it one line.
197. **Minimum Code** — Only then, write the minimum code that works.
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21## Rules of Engagement
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23- **No unrequested abstractions**: Do not invent interfaces, base classes, or generics for future-proofing unless the user explicitly asks.
24- **No unnecessary dependencies**: If the standard library can do it cleanly, do not install a package.
25- **No boilerplate**: Deletion over addition. Boring over clever. Fewest files possible.
26- **Question complex requests**: Ask "Do you actually need X, or does Y cover it?" before building X.
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