---
alwaysApply: true
---

# Software Development Ruleset

## Purpose
Specialized guidelines for software development tasks including code review, debugging, architecture decisions, and testing.

## Core Principles

### 1. Evidence-First Development
- **Code Citations Required**: Always cite specific file:line references when making claims
- **Execution Path Tracing**: Trace actual code execution before proposing architectural changes
- **Assumption Validation**: Flag assumptions as "assumed" vs "evidence-based"

### 2. Code Review Standards
- **Trace Before Proposing**: Always trace execution paths before suggesting changes
- **Evidence Over Inference**: Prefer code citations over logical deductions
- **Scope Validation**: Confirm the actual scope of problems before proposing solutions

### 3. Problem-Solution Validation
- **Problem Scope**: Does the solution address the actual problem?
- **Evidence Alignment**: Does the solution match the evidence?
- **Complexity Justification**: Is added complexity justified by real needs?
- **Alternative Analysis**: What simpler solutions were considered?

## Required Workflows

### Before Proposing Changes
- [ ] **Code Path Tracing**: Map execution flow from entry to exit
- [ ] **Evidence Collection**: Gather specific code citations and logs
- [ ] **Assumption Surfacing**: Identify what's proven vs. inferred
- [ ] **Scope Validation**: Confirm the actual extent of the problem

### During Solution Design
- [ ] **Evidence Alignment**: Ensure solution addresses proven problems
- [ ] **Complexity Assessment**: Justify any added complexity
- [ ] **Alternative Evaluation**: Consider simpler approaches first
- [ ] **Impact Analysis**: Assess effects on existing systems

## Software-Specific Competence Hooks

### Evidence Validation
- **"What code path proves this claim?"**
- **"How does data actually flow through the system?"**
- **"What am I assuming vs. what can I prove?"**

### Code Tracing
- **"What's the execution path from user action to system response?"**
- **"Which components actually interact in this scenario?"**
- **"Where does the data originate and where does it end up?"**

### Architecture Decisions
- **"What evidence shows this change is necessary?"**
- **"What simpler solution could achieve the same goal?"**
- **"How does this change affect the existing system architecture?"**

## Integration with Other Rulesets

### With base_context.mdc
- Inherits generic competence principles
- Adds software-specific evidence requirements
- Maintains collaboration and learning focus

### With research_diagnostic.mdc
- Enhances investigation with code path tracing
- Adds evidence validation to diagnostic workflow
- Strengthens problem identification accuracy

## Usage Guidelines

### When to Use This Ruleset
- Code reviews and architectural decisions
- Bug investigation and debugging
- Performance optimization
- Feature implementation planning
- Testing strategy development

### When to Combine with Others
- **base_context + software_development**: General development tasks
- **research_diagnostic + software_development**: Technical investigations
- **All three**: Complex architectural decisions or major refactoring

## Self-Check (model, before responding)
- [ ] Code path traced and documented
- [ ] Evidence cited with specific file:line references
- [ ] Assumptions clearly flagged as proven vs. inferred
- [ ] Solution complexity justified by evidence
- [ ] Simpler alternatives considered and documented
- [ ] Impact on existing systems assessed
# Software Development Ruleset

## Purpose
Specialized guidelines for software development tasks including code review, debugging, architecture decisions, and testing.

## Core Principles

### 1. Evidence-First Development
- **Code Citations Required**: Always cite specific file:line references when making claims
- **Execution Path Tracing**: Trace actual code execution before proposing architectural changes
- **Assumption Validation**: Flag assumptions as "assumed" vs "evidence-based"

### 2. Code Review Standards
- **Trace Before Proposing**: Always trace execution paths before suggesting changes
- **Evidence Over Inference**: Prefer code citations over logical deductions
- **Scope Validation**: Confirm the actual scope of problems before proposing solutions

### 3. Problem-Solution Validation
- **Problem Scope**: Does the solution address the actual problem?
- **Evidence Alignment**: Does the solution match the evidence?
- **Complexity Justification**: Is added complexity justified by real needs?
- **Alternative Analysis**: What simpler solutions were considered?

## Required Workflows

### Before Proposing Changes
- [ ] **Code Path Tracing**: Map execution flow from entry to exit
- [ ] **Evidence Collection**: Gather specific code citations and logs
- [ ] **Assumption Surfacing**: Identify what's proven vs. inferred
- [ ] **Scope Validation**: Confirm the actual extent of the problem

### During Solution Design
- [ ] **Evidence Alignment**: Ensure solution addresses proven problems
- [ ] **Complexity Assessment**: Justify any added complexity
- [ ] **Alternative Evaluation**: Consider simpler approaches first
- [ ] **Impact Analysis**: Assess effects on existing systems

## Software-Specific Competence Hooks

### Evidence Validation
- **"What code path proves this claim?"**
- **"How does data actually flow through the system?"**
- **"What am I assuming vs. what can I prove?"**

### Code Tracing
- **"What's the execution path from user action to system response?"**
- **"Which components actually interact in this scenario?"**
- **"Where does the data originate and where does it end up?"**

### Architecture Decisions
- **"What evidence shows this change is necessary?"**
- **"What simpler solution could achieve the same goal?"**
- **"How does this change affect the existing system architecture?"**

## Integration with Other Rulesets

### With base_context.mdc
- Inherits generic competence principles
- Adds software-specific evidence requirements
- Maintains collaboration and learning focus

### With research_diagnostic.mdc
- Enhances investigation with code path tracing
- Adds evidence validation to diagnostic workflow
- Strengthens problem identification accuracy

## Usage Guidelines

### When to Use This Ruleset
- Code reviews and architectural decisions
- Bug investigation and debugging
- Performance optimization
- Feature implementation planning
- Testing strategy development

### When to Combine with Others
- **base_context + software_development**: General development tasks
- **research_diagnostic + software_development**: Technical investigations
- **All three**: Complex architectural decisions or major refactoring

## Self-Check (model, before responding)
- [ ] Code path traced and documented
- [ ] Evidence cited with specific file:line references
- [ ] Assumptions clearly flagged as proven vs. inferred
- [ ] Solution complexity justified by evidence
- [ ] Simpler alternatives considered and documented
- [ ] Impact on existing systems assessed