anti overengineering

Prevent AI over-engineering by keeping changes scoped, simple, and directly tied to the user's request

cursor ["**/*"]

The skill

# Anti-Over-Engineering

Only change what was asked. Simplest solution first. When unsure, ask.

Do not modify unrequested code, add abstractions without a concrete need, import unnecessary dependencies, rewrite entire files for small changes, or add error handling for impossible scenarios.

Before delivery: verify you only changed requested code, check for simpler approaches, confirm no unrequested files were touched.

How to install it

1. Open the tool and start a new conversation, project or template.
2. Paste the text below wherever the tool keeps standing instructions
   — usually called system prompt, instructions, or persona.
3. Save it so it applies to every run rather than a single message.

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Where it came from

PatrickJS and contributors CC0-1.0 The original

and Related Rights in the Work and the meaning and intended legal