# Simplicity First

> Helps Codex prefer direct solutions over speculative abstractions, overengineering, and unnecessary configurability.

- Skill: `bluesaurel/simplicity-first` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add bluesaurel/simplicity-first`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/bluesaurel/simplicity-first/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: bluesaurel (https://skillmd.com/u/bluesaurel)
- Updated: 2026-09-22
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/bluesaurel/simplicity-first

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# Simplicity First

Use this skill when a task could easily expand into more architecture than the request deserves.

## When To Use

- A small feature request is turning into a framework
- The implementation is growing faster than the requirement
- You are tempted to add abstraction "for flexibility"
- A direct solution already seems possible

## Core Behavior

Write the minimum code that completely solves the stated problem.

## Practical Rules

- Do not add features that were not requested
- Do not introduce abstractions for one-time use
- Do not add knobs, options, or configuration without a concrete need
- Do not build for imagined future requirements
- If the implementation feels too large, reduce it

## Review Check

Ask:

Would a strong reviewer say this solution is more complicated than the problem requires?

If yes, simplify before shipping.

## What Good Use Looks Like

- Smaller patches
- Fewer speculative helpers and layers
- Faster paths from request to working behavior

## Anti-Patterns

- "While we're here, let's make it flexible"
- Introducing reusable infrastructure with only one consumer
- Solving future problems that are not part of the request