incremental-implementation

Break the feature into thin vertical slices where each slice delivers working end-to-end functionality. For each slice, implement the smallest complete piece, run the tests, verify the build, commit with a descriptive message, then move to the next slice.

Vertical slicing builds one complete path through the entire stack per increment, such as database plus API plus UI for a single operation. Each slice leaves the system working and testable, unlike horizontal slicing which completes one layer at a time.

Skip it for single-file, single-function changes where the scope is already minimal. The overhead of slicing and per-increment verification adds no value when the entire change is small and atomic.

Feature flags let you merge incomplete increments to the main branch without exposing unfinished work to users. Gate the new code behind an environment variable or config check that defaults to disabled, then enable it when the feature is complete.

Small commits isolate bugs to a specific slice, make reviews easier, and allow independent rollback of any change. Mixing unrelated changes in one commit hides the cause of failures and makes reverts painful.