baselisted

# Base Skill - Universal Patterns ## Core Principle Complexity is the enemy. Every line of code is a liability. The goal is software simple enough that any engineer (or AI) can understand the entire system in one session. --- ## Simplicity Rules These limits apply to every file created or modified. ### Function Level - **Maximum 20 lines per function** - if longer, decompose IMMEDIATELY - **Maximum 3 parameters per function** - if more, use an options object or decompose - **Maximum 2 levels of nesting** - flatten with early returns or extract functions - **Single responsibility** - each function does exactly one thing - **Descriptive names over comments** - if you need a comment to explain what, rename it ### File Level - **Maximum 200 lines per file** - if longer, split by responsibility BEFORE continuing - **Maximum 10 functions per file** - keeps cognitive load manageable - **One export focus per file** - a file should have one primary purpose ### Module Level - **Maximum 3 levels of directory nesting** - flat is better than nested - **Clear boundaries** - each module has a single public interface - **No circular dependencies** - ever ### Enforcement Protocol **Before completing ANY file:** 1. Count total lines - if > 200, STOP and split 2. Count functions - if > 10, STOP and split 3. Check each function length - if any > 20 lines, STOP and decompose 4. Check parameter counts - if any > 3, STOP and refactor **If limits are exceeded during development:** ``` ⚠️