incremental-implementation

Implements multi-file code changes in thin, tested, and committed vertical slices.

3|Updated Jul 28, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/marcmarti9/agentit --skill incremental-implementation-marcmarti9
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: incremental-implementation
Source: https://github.com/marcmarti9/agentit/tree/main/skills/incremental-implementation
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/marcmarti9/agentit --skill incremental-implementation-marcmarti9

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve? Large features implemented in one pass produce bugs that are hard to locate, reviews that are hard to read, and rollbacks that are painful. This Skill enforces a disciplined increment cycle so every change lands as a small, verifiable, revertable slice. ## Core Features & Use Cases - Increment Cycle: Implement, test, verify, commit, then move to the next slice, keeping the codebase compilable and tests green at every step. - Slicing Strategies: Choose vertical slices, contract-first slicing for parallel backend/frontend work, or risk-first slicing to prove the riskiest piece early. - Scope and Simplicity Rules: Enforces one logical change per commit, feature flags for incomplete work, safe defaults, and rollback-friendly changes. - Use Case: When building a task management feature, deliver CRUD as four separate end-to-end slices (create, list, edit, delete), each tested and committed independently instead of one 500-line change. ## Quick Start Implement the next task from the plan incrementally, starting with just the database schema and API endpoint, then run the repository's test and build commands before committing.

Frequently Asked Questions about incremental-implementation

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I implement a large feature incrementally?▼

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 test suite, verify the build, commit with a descriptive message, then move to the next slice.

What is vertical slice development in software engineering?▼

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 in a working, testable state rather than completing one layer at a time.

When should I use feature flags for incomplete work?▼

Use feature flags whenever a feature is not ready for users but you need to merge increments to the main branch. Gate the new code behind an environment variable or config flag so incomplete work stays hidden while small increments merge safely.

When is incremental implementation not needed?▼

Skip it for single-file, single-function changes where the scope is already minimal. The discipline targets multi-file changes, new features from task breakdowns, and any work exceeding roughly 100 lines before testing.

Why should refactors be separate commits from features?▼

Mixing refactors with features makes both harder to review and debug, and complicates rollbacks. Each increment should change one logical thing, so refactors, features, and config updates land as separate atomic commits.