principle-subtract-before-you-add

by michael-denyer2.6k

Developer Tools

Apply when sequencing an addition, refactor, or rewrite. Remove dead code, redundant validators, and stub references first, then build on the simpler base.

Install

The skill file stays in the publisher's repository.

Paste the copied command in a terminal. It installs this SKILL.md into that agent.

npx skills add michael-denyer/pstack-claude --skill principle-subtract-before-you-add -a cursor -y

Download skill plugins/pstack/skills/principle-subtract-before-you-add/SKILL.md on GitHub

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Questions

How do I install principle-subtract-before-you-add?: Download plugins/pstack/skills/principle-subtract-before-you-add/SKILL.md from the publisher, or copy the path and open the repository. PlugMCP lists the skill and does not host the file.
Where does principle-subtract-before-you-add live?: The publisher keeps it at https://github.com/michael-denyer/pstack-claude.
Which agents can use principle-subtract-before-you-add?: Claude, Cursor, and Codex can read a SKILL.md you add from the publisher's repository.

name: principle-subtract-before-you-add description: "Apply when sequencing an addition, refactor, or rewrite. Remove dead code, redundant validators, and stub references first, then build on the simpler base." user-invocable: false

Subtract Before You Add

When evolving a system, remove complexity first, then build. Default to subtraction.

Make simplification a continual investment. Leave the design slightly simpler and more capable behind the same or smaller surface than you found it.

Sequence removal before construction
Cut before you polish (get to the minimum before investing in quality)
Design for observed usage, not speculative edge cases