implementation

Guides writing and refactoring code with precise naming, domain alignment, and intentional comments.

1|Updated Aug 14, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/zhiyuan-zhang0206/Ava --skill implementation-zhiyuan-zhang0206
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: implementation
Source: https://github.com/zhiyuan-zhang0206/Ava/tree/main/ava_builtins/skills/ava-serious-engineering/practices/implementation
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/zhiyuan-zhang0206/Ava --skill implementation-zhiyuan-zhang0206

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve? Code that merely passes tests often hides vague naming, accidental fixes, and drift from the business domain, making every future change slower and riskier. This Skill enforces disciplined implementation practices so code stays obvious, safe to refactor, and readable by domain experts. ## Core Features & Use Cases - Precise Naming Discipline: Bans vague names like process, handle, and data in favor of names that signal purpose at the call site, such as calculateMonthlyRevenue. - Safe Refactoring Workflow: Requires a green test suite before every refactoring step, limits each step to 3-4 files, and mandates small incremental commits. - Domain-Aligned Code: Ensures business concepts (accounts, invoices, policies) appear as first-class terms in code so domain experts can read it. - Intentional Comments and Anti-Coincidence Checks: Comments capture intent, trade-offs, and assumptions rather than restating code, and every committed line must have a explainable reason for working. - Use Case: When refactoring a billing module, apply the checklist to rename generic functions to domain terms, verify tests pass after each small step, and replace redundant comments with design rationale referencing ADRs. ## Quick Start Ask the AI to review or write code using the implementation practice checklist, ensuring names signal purpose, tests stay green during refactoring, and comments explain intent rather than restating code.

Frequently Asked Questions about implementation

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I refactor code safely without breaking existing behavior?▼

Ensure the test suite is green before every refactoring step, then make one small change at a time, run tests, and commit. Keep each step to 3-4 files maximum, and if something breaks unexpectedly, revert and understand why before proceeding.

How to choose good names for functions and variables?▼

Name for what the thing does, not that it processes something: use `calculateMonthlyRevenue` instead of `process`. Read the name in isolation and ask whether a colleague would understand it without opening the body, and ban vague words like `handle`, `data`, and `util`.

When should I write comments in code?▼

Write comments to capture intent, trade-offs, assumptions, and invariants that the code itself cannot express. Delete any comment that merely restates the code, such as `# increment i` next to `i += 1`, and keep only design rationale like ordering assumptions or rate-limit constraints.

What is programming by coincidence and how do I avoid it?▼

Programming by coincidence means shipping code that works without understanding why. Avoid it by writing one sentence per changed line in the commit message explaining why it has its effect, and investigate any line you cannot explain before committing.

Why should code use domain terminology instead of generic names?▼

Domain terms like `Policy`, `Invoice`, or `Claim` make code readable by domain experts, not just engineers, eliminating translation between business needs and code. Generic names like `Entity` or `Data` signal the implementation has drifted from the problem it solves.