Minimalist
This skill enforces a strict efficiency ladder (YAGNI, reuse, stdlib, native platform, existing deps, one-liner, minimum code) to solve problems with the least code possible. It prevents over-engineering, unnecessary dependencies, and boilerplate, producing minimal, working code.
✨ What it does
- Enforces the efficiency ladder before writing any new code.
- Prevents unrequested abstractions, dependencies, and boilerplate.
- Prompts to question complex requests and state decisions.
- Provides anti-patterns table for common over-engineering mistakes.
- Cross-references related skills for strict API usage and hallucination prevention.
🎯 When to use it
- When asked to write code efficiently or avoid over-engineering.
- When reducing dependencies or preventing unnecessary abstractions.
- When implementing a feature and you want to ensure the simplest solution.
- When reviewing code for unnecessary complexity or boilerplate.
🚀 How to use
Trigger by asking to write code efficiently, avoid over-engineering, reduce dependencies, or prevent unnecessary abstractions. The skill expects a coding task or request. It will walk the efficiency ladder and produce minimal code.
Example prompts:
Implement a function to read a file and return its contents, but keep it minimal.
Refactor this code to reduce dependencies and avoid over-engineering.
📄 Output: Minimal, working code with no unnecessary abstractions, dependencies, or boilerplate.
📦 Add this skill to Claude Code
# 1. Get the skills repo
git clone --depth 1 https://github.com/alirezarezvani/claude-skills /tmp/claude-skills
# 2. Copy this skill into your project (or ~/.claude/skills for all projects)
mkdir -p .claude/skills
cp -r /tmp/claude-skills/engineering/minimalist .claude/skills/minimalistSkill source: engineering/minimalist/SKILL.md
⚠️ Good to know
The skill assumes the user wants minimal code; it may not be suitable when the user explicitly requests robust error handling, logging, or extensive documentation.
❓ FAQ
What is the efficiency ladder?
It's a step-by-step guide to avoid writing new code: YAGNI, reuse, stdlib, native platform, existing deps, one-liner, then minimum code.
Should I install a package for a one-line operation?
No, use the standard library if it can do it cleanly.
Can I add comments or logging?
Only if the user explicitly asks; otherwise skip them.
🤖 Overview, features, install steps and FAQ were generated from the project's SKILL.md on Sep 4, 2026. Always check the original source before running commands.