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principle-subtract-before-you-add

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

skills/principle-subtract-before-you-add/SKILL.md

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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.
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