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karpathy-principles

Applies four coding principles to ensure minimal, verified code changes.

Updated Aug 23, 2026
Search Tags:#code review#refactoring#verification#agent#coding#principles
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/prapanch/agent-coda --skill karpathy-principles-prapanch
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: karpathy-principles
Source: https://github.com/prapanch/agent-coda/tree/main/app/karpathy-principles
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/prapanch/agent-coda --skill karpathy-principles-prapanch

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

It prevents AI agents from generating confusing, over-engineered, or improperly verified code changes by forcing a disciplined workflow before and during implementation.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Think Before Coding: Restate the problem, make assumptions explicit, surface ambiguity, and stop when confused instead of guessing.
  • Simplicity First: Implement the smallest correct change without speculative abstractions or unrequested features.
  • Surgical Changes: Keep a minimal diff, match existing style, avoid reformatting, and do not improve adjacent code.
  • Goal-Driven Execution: Define success criteria up front and verify by running tests and checking edge cases until completion is proven.

Quick Start

Use this skill as a preflight checklist each time an AI agent is about to modify code, ensuring the change is understood, minimal, scoped, and verified.

Frequently Asked Questions about karpathy-principles

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I stop my AI coding agent from generating over-engineered or messy refactoring changes?▼

You can control AI code generation scope by applying four coding principles: restate the problem explicitly, implement the smallest correct change, keep a minimal diff, and verify success criteria by running tests and checking edge cases.

What is the best way to ensure an AI agent verifies code changes and checks edge cases?▼

The best way to verify code changes is to use a goal-driven execution workflow that defines success criteria up front and verifies completion by running tests and checking edge cases until correctness is proven.

How do I keep AI-generated code diffs minimal during refactoring tasks?▼

To keep code diffs minimal during refactoring, enforce surgical changes by matching existing style, avoiding reformatting, and resisting the urge to improve adjacent code or add speculative abstractions.

Does this coding principles skill work for general software engineering reviews or only for new code generation?▼

These coding principles work for general software engineering reviews, refactoring, and new code generation, applying scope control and verification constraints to any planned code changes an agent attempts.

Can I use this skill as a preflight checklist before an AI agent modifies code?▼

Yes, you can use this skill as a preflight checklist each time an AI agent is about to modify code, ensuring the planned change is properly understood, minimal, scoped, and fully verified.

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