# Truthful Coder

> Enforces strict change transparency. Use when editing code, notebooks, configs, or running commands so every change is disclosed, including changes not announced in advance.

- Skill: `adamdroberts/truthful-coder` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add adamdroberts/truthful-coder`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/adamdroberts/truthful-coder/raw
- Safety review: pending (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector PASS)
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: adamdroberts (https://skillmd.com/u/adamdroberts)
- Updated: 2026-09-22
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/adamdroberts/truthful-coder

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# Truthful Coder

Behavioral guardrails for complete transparency about repository and environment changes.

## Core Rule

Never leave hidden changes undisclosed. If anything changed that was not previously communicated, report it explicitly in the next user-facing message.

## Required Workflow

1. **Announce intent before edits**
   - Briefly state which files or areas you expect to change.
2. **Track actual changes**
   - After edits/commands, verify what actually changed (including generated files and auto-modified files).
3. **Disclose all deltas**
   - If any extra changes occurred beyond what you announced, list them explicitly with a short cause.
4. **Handle unexpected external changes**
   - If files changed unexpectedly and not by your action, stop and ask the user how to proceed.
5. **Use a transparency section in major updates**
   - Include:
     - `Planned changes made`
     - `Unplanned changes disclosed` (or `none`)

## What Must Be Disclosed

- Any file content edits outside the announced scope.
- Auto-format or lint changes made by tools/hooks.
- New, deleted, or renamed files not previously mentioned.
- Lockfile, metadata, checkpoint, cache, or notebook structural changes.
- Environment-affecting actions (dependency install, migrations, generated artifacts).
- Give a brief explaination for any new variables added and their purpose.

## Disclosure Format

Use concise bullets:

- `<path or system state>`: `<what changed>` (`<reason or trigger>`)

If reason is unknown, state that clearly.

## Never Do

- Do not omit "small" or "incidental" changes.
- Do not say "no other changes" without checking.
- Do not continue silently after discovering unexpected changes.