Reducing Entropy
More code begets more code. Entropy accumulates. This skill biases toward the smallest possible codebase.
Core question: "What does the codebase look like after?"
Before You Begin
Load at least one mindset from references/
- List the files in the reference directory
- Read frontmatter descriptions to pick which applies
- Load at least one
- State which you loaded and its core principle
Do not proceed until you've done this.
The Goal
The goal is less total code in the final codebase - not less code to write right now.
- Writing 50 lines that delete 200 lines = net win
- Keeping 14 functions to avoid writing 2 = net loss
- "No churn" is not a goal. Less code is the goal.
Measure the end state, not the effort.
Three Questions
1. What's the smallest codebase that solves this?
Not "what's the smallest change" - what's the smallest result.
- Could this be 2 functions instead of 14?
- Could this be 0 functions (delete the feature)?
- What would we delete if we did this?
2. Does the proposed change result in less total code?
Count lines before and after. If after > before, reject it.