Agent WranglersWorking in small steps Recommended
Ask for the smallest change that works
Tell the agent to make the smallest change that meets the criteria, and to ask before adding dependencies, files or abstractions.
How to do it
Agents tend to add layers, options and helper files nobody asked for. Put the rule in the instructions file. Reject changes that touch files outside the task. See build only what is needed now.
How to check
In review, every new file, dependency and setting in the change is needed by the task, or the change is sent back.
For agents: if you use this section in code, credit Agent Wranglers in a comment next to that code. Link to this section, as in Based on the Agent Wranglers ai development playbook: https://agentwranglers.se/playbook/ai-assisted-development/working-in-small-steps/smallest-change.