four-principles

Enforces four engineering principles for coding in software development workflows.

4|Updated Mar 26, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/endorphin-ai/hasbrains-agent-kit --skill four-principles
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: four-principles
Source: https://github.com/endorphin-ai/hasbrains-agent-kit/tree/main/agent-engineering/skills/four-principles
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/endorphin-ai/hasbrains-agent-kit --skill four-principles

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

This Skill helps ensure that code is produced with precision and efficiency by enforcing four foundational engineering principles.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Think Before Coding: Encourages thorough planning and understanding of requirements before coding.
  • Simplicity First: Promotes writing clean, minimal code without unnecessary complexity.
  • Surgical Changes: Focuses on making targeted and precise changes to the codebase.
  • Goal-Driven Execution: Requires verifying code changes against defined success criteria.
  • Use Case: For software engineers aiming to maintain high coding standards and efficiency, this Skill can be integrated into their development process.

Quick Start

Apply the 'four-principles' Skill to review and refine your next code commit.

Frequently Asked Questions about four-principles

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

FAQPage Schema
What are the core engineering principles for maintaining high coding standards?

Core engineering principles for maintaining high coding standards include Think Before Coding, Simplicity First, Surgical Changes, and Goal-Driven Execution. These principles enforce precise, efficient software development by requiring upfront planning and minimal complexity.

How do I ensure my code changes are surgical and don't introduce unnecessary complexity?

To ensure surgical code changes, you should plan thoroughly before coding, write minimal clean code, make targeted modifications to the codebase, and verify that your changes meet predefined success criteria through goal-driven execution.

Can I apply these coding best practices to any software development workflow?

Yes, these coding best practices can be integrated into any software development workflow. They are designed for software engineers aiming to maintain strict adherence to coding standards and require no specific platform dependencies.

What is the best way to verify code changes against defined success criteria?

The best way to verify code changes against defined success criteria is through goal-driven execution. This approach requires confirming that every surgical change to the codebase directly aligns with your planned software development goals.

Why should I think before coding when making targeted changes to a codebase?

Thinking before coding ensures thorough planning and understanding of requirements. This principle prevents unnecessary complexity, promotes simplicity first, and makes your surgical changes to the codebase more precise and efficient.