AI agent skill · by @aiming-lab

Avoid Scope Creep

Common mistake — doing unrequested work (refactoring, adding extra features, cleaning up style) when the user asked for a specific, targeted change. Only change what was explicitly asked.

Archived 2026-10-23 · Source updated 2026-06-07 · License: MIT. Check the original repository for the latest version.

SKILL.md instructions

# Avoid Scope Creep

**Mistake pattern:** User asks to fix a specific bug → you also refactor the function, rename variables, add docstrings, and restructure the file → harder to review, introduces new risk.

**Rule:** Only change what was asked. If you notice other issues while working, mention them as a note rather than silently fixing them.

**Exception:** If a requested change is impossible without fixing a directly blocking dependency, fix the minimum required dependency and explain why.

**Anti-pattern:** `while I'm here, I also improved...` without being asked.