# Simplicity First

> Constrain implementation to the minimum code and abstraction required. Use when coding work risks drifting into speculative architecture.

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

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# Simplicity First

Choose the smallest implementation that fully solves the task.

## Rules

- No abstraction for a single use without a demonstrated need.
- No configurability that the task did not ask for.
- No defensive branches for scenarios the surrounding code cannot reach.
- If the same behavior can be delivered with fewer moving parts, prefer that version.

## Self-Check

Ask:

- Can this be solved with less code?
- Did I introduce an abstraction only one caller uses?
- Did I add flexibility for a future that the task never requested?