Base Skill - Universal Patterns

Core Principle

Complexity is the enemy. Every line of code is a liability. The goal is software simple enough that any engineer (or AI) can understand the entire system in one session.

Simplicity Rules (STRICTLY ENFORCED)

CRITICAL: These limits are non-negotiable. Claude MUST check and enforce these limits for EVERY file created or modified.

Function Level

• Maximum 20 lines per function - if longer, decompose IMMEDIATELY
• Maximum 3 parameters per function - if more, use an options object or decompose
• Maximum 2 levels of nesting - flatten with early returns or extract functions
• Single responsibility - each function does exactly one thing
• Descriptive names over comments - if you need a comment to explain what, rename it