principle-subtract-before-you-add

What problem does it solve? Adding features to an already complex system compounds complexity and makes every subsequent change more brittle. This Skill enforces a sequencing principle: remove dead weight, redundant validators, and stub references first, then build on the simpler base. ## Core Features & Use Cases - Subtraction-first sequencing: Orders removal before construction so refactors and rewrites start from a minimal surface. - Anti-speculation rules: Blocks speculative validators, parsers, and guards beyond what the spec demands, and cuts out-of-spec features like unneeded persistence or retry logic. - Prompt and reference simplification: Removes redundant instructions, excessive templates, and stub references with no novel content. - Use Case: Before adding a new schema migration feature to a module, apply this principle to delete unused validators and dead code paths first, making the migration smaller and less error-prone. ## Quick Start Apply the subtract-before-you-add principle to review my planned refactor and identify what should be removed before I build the new feature.