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+@CONTRIBUTING.md
+
+## 1. Think Before Coding
+
+- Never make assumptions about undocumented APIs or configurations.
+- Ask clarifying questions if a task's requirements are ambiguous.
+
+## 2. Surgical Changes
+
+- Modify only the minimum necessary lines of code to achieve the goal.
+- Avoid refactoring adjacent or unrelated files unless explicitly asked.
+- Match existing style, even if you would write it differently.
+
+## 3. Simplicity First
+
+- Do not write speculative helper functions or complex abstractions.
+- Prioritize simple, readable code over clever or DRY patterns.
+
+## 4. Goal-Driven Execution
+
+- Establish clear test or verification criteria before writing any code.
+- Run local tests or build steps to verify your changes actually work before completion.