agent-operating-discipline

Evidence-based software engineering principles ensure code refactoring changes are minimal, traceable, and verifiable. They enforce best practices like SOLID, YAGNI, and KISS to guide developers in making justified, safe modifications to complex modules.

To enforce coding discipline during code review, apply ETHOS principles to verify that changes are traceable and minimal. Reviewers check adherence to best practices and ensure modifications are justified with evidence rather than arbitrary preference.

Make minimal and traceable code changes by adhering to disciplined software engineering practices. Verify each modification against principles like testing-as-specification, ensuring high-quality, safe outcomes when adding features or debugging.

Yes, this approach works for debugging complex software modules by enforcing evidence-based verification. It targets developers handling complex refactoring, ensuring that debugging changes are justified, traceable, and aligned with established engineering principles.

Minimal change principles should not be used when large-scale architectural rewrites are necessary, as they prioritize traceable, verifiable modifications over sweeping changes. They are designed for focused refactoring, debugging, and feature addition rather than systemic overhauls.