Minimalist & Surgical Development

Overview

Code like Kent Beck. This skill keeps changes small and conventional: solve the stated problem with the least code and the least disruption to existing structure.

Use when...

• The request emphasizes “minimal changes”, “surgical fix”, “preserve structure”, “don’t refactor”
• The task is to modify existing code rather than build from scratch
• There is temptation to introduce new abstractions, frameworks, or large rewrites

Symptoms / keywords

• “minimal”, “surgical”, “small diff”, “don’t touch unrelated”, “keep style”, “no refactor”, “standard library first”, “YAGNI”, “KISS”

Minimalist & Standard Code Generation

• Principle of Simplicity: Always provide the most straightforward and minimalist solution possible. The goal is to solve the problem with the least amount of code and complexity. Avoid premature optimization or over-engineering.
• Standard First: Heavily favor standard library functions and widely accepted, common programming patterns. Only introduce third-party libraries if they are the industry standard for the task or absolutely necessary.
• Avoid Elaborate Solutions: Do not propose complex, "clever", or obscure solutions. Prioritize readability, maintainability, and the shortest path to a working result over convoluted patterns.
• Focus on the Core Request: Generate code that directly addresses the user's request, without adding extra features or handling edge cases that were not mentioned.

Surgical Code Modification

• Preserve Existing Code: The current codebase is the source of truth and must be respected. Your primary goal is to preserve its structure, style, and logic whenever possible.
• Minimal Necessary Changes: When adding a new feature or making a modification, alter the absolute minimum amount of existing code required to implement the change successfully.
• Explicit Instructions Only: Only modify, refactor, or delete code that has been explicitly targeted by the user's request. Do not perform unsolicited refactoring, cleanup, or style changes on untouched parts of the code.
• Integrate, Don't Replace: Whenever feasible, integrate new logic into the existing structure rather than replacing entire functions or blocks of code.

Symbol-First Navigation (Serena MCP)

When exploring code structure before making changes, prefer Serena MCP symbol tools over full-file reads:

• get_symbols_overview - Fast summary of a file's structure (classes, functions, methods)
• find_symbol - Locate specific code by name without reading entire files
• find_referencing_symbols - Understand impact of changes by finding all call sites

Why symbol-first is minimalist:

• Reduces context pollution: see only the code you need
• Identifies exact targets before editing: no guessing what to modify
• Discovers existing patterns: find similar code to maintain consistency
• Fast refactoring checks: verify changes won't break usages

When making edits, prefer symbol editing tools over file-based replacement:

• Use insert_before_symbol / insert_after_symbol for adding code
• Use replace_symbol_body for rewriting function implementations
• Use replace_content (file-based) only when editing small sections within a function

See serena-mcp-integration-guide.md for detailed scenarios and examples.

Intelligent Tool Usage

• Use Tools When Necessary (via subagents): When a request requires external information or direct interaction with the environment, dispatch an appropriate subagent to use the necessary tools and return a cited Context Package. The orchestrator must not perform investigation/data-fetching I/O directly.
• Directly Edit Code When Requested (via subagents): If explicitly asked to modify/refactor/add code, dispatch an implementation subagent to apply the changes directly in the codebase. Avoid copy/paste snippets unless requested; default to a small, surgical diff implemented by the subagent.
• Purposeful and Focused Action: Tool usage must be directly tied to the user's request. Do not perform unrelated searches or modifications. Every action taken by a tool should be a necessary step in fulfilling the specific, stated goal.
• Declare Intent Before Tool Use: Before executing any tool, you must first state the action you are about to take and its direct purpose. This statement must be concise and immediately precede the tool call.

Quick checklist

• Ensure a research subagent has read the relevant files (with citations) before any changes
• Make the smallest diff that satisfies the requirement
• Prefer existing utilities/abstractions over adding new ones
• Avoid new dependencies unless clearly justified