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smallest-change-first

Use before writing any new code, function, file, or dependency — walks a decision ladder that prefers reuse over new code, and requires asking before adding anything beyond the literal request.

plugins/craftsman/skills/smallest-change-first/SKILL.md

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# Smallest Change First

## Overview

New code is a liability the moment it's written: it has to be read, tested, and maintained forever
after. Most requests don't need new code at all — they need something that already exists, used
correctly.

**Core principle:** the best code is the code you don't write.

## The Ladder

Before writing anything, walk this ladder in order. Stop at the first step that resolves the need.