# Principle Subtract Before You Add

> Apply when sequencing an addition, refactor, or rewrite. Remove dead code, redundant validators, and stub references first, then build on the simpler base.

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

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# Subtract Before You Add

When evolving a system, remove complexity first, then build.

**Why:** Adding to a complex system compounds complexity. Removing first leaves less code, reveals the essential structure, and usually makes the next design obvious. Default to subtraction.

Make simplification a continual investment. Leave the design slightly simpler and more capable behind the same or smaller surface than you found it.

**The pattern:**
- Sequence removal before construction
- Cut before you polish (get to the minimum before investing in quality)
- Design for observed usage, not speculative edge cases
- No speculative validators, parsers, or guards beyond what the spec demands
- Simplify prompts (remove redundant instructions, excessive templates)
- When a reference has no novel content, delete it rather than leaving a stub