# Principle Mechanical Gates

> Requires deterministic enforcement for reliable rules. Apply when a contract can be checked by code.

- Skill: `bostonaholic/principle-mechanical-gates` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add bostonaholic/principle-mechanical-gates`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/bostonaholic/principle-mechanical-gates/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: bostonaholic (https://skillmd.com/u/bostonaholic)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/bostonaholic/principle-mechanical-gates

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# Mechanical Gates

Enforce required rules with deterministic checks that run regardless of model behavior; A rule enforced only by good behavior is not enforced at all.

- Push each check to the cheapest, most deterministic layer that can catch it; never use an expensive judge where regex suffices.
- Reject wrong-layer checks that are slow, flaky, or paid without need.
- Detect errors early, report loudly, and never mask them.
- Prefer preventing violations over observing them; check artifacts before intent.
- Reject checks whose pass depends on model compliance.