# Incremental Implementation

> Deliver schema and migration changes in safe, reversible increments. Use for multi-step database work to reduce migration risk.

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

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# Incremental Implementation (DBA)

## Overview
Apply database changes in small, safe slices that preserve integrity and operational safety.

## When to Use
- Multi-step schema evolution
- Changes requiring ordered migrations
- Work where rollback/recovery risk matters

## When NOT to Use
- Read-only analysis tasks with no schema or migration changes

## Inputs
- Current schema and migration history
- Required data model changes
- Query/performance expectations

## Process
1. Confirm conventions and current migration baseline.
2. Apply additive/reversible schema changes first.
3. Add constraints/indexes after foundational structures.
4. Validate migration ordering and dependency safety.
5. Avoid destructive operations unless explicitly requested.

## Verification Checklist
- [ ] Migration naming and ordering are correct
- [ ] Integrity constraints are explicit and appropriate
- [ ] Index choices match expected query paths
- [ ] Operational/rollback risks are documented

## Failure Modes to Avoid
- Large monolithic migration bundles
- Implicit assumptions about existing data quality
- Destructive edits without explicit approval

## Output Requirements
- Use `summarize` for final output.
- Include migrations touched and safety notes.
- Use canonical camelCase result fields where applicable.