# Principle Subtract Before You Add

> Remove dead weight and obsolete paths first; build on the simpler remaining system. Use when before an addition, rewrite, or structural refactor.

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

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# Subtract Before You Add

## Trigger

Before an addition, rewrite, or structural refactor.

## Rule

Remove dead weight and obsolete paths first; build on the simpler remaining system.

## Application

1. Name the concrete decision this principle changes.
2. Apply the rule to that decision, not as a decorative citation.
3. Prefer evidence from the current repository/runtime over generic preference.
4. If the principle conflicts with an explicit user constraint, keep the constraint and state the tradeoff.