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53 changes: 52 additions & 1 deletion STYLE.md
Original file line number Diff line number Diff line change
Expand Up @@ -81,6 +81,43 @@ These phrases add no value - state the fact directly:
- **Write timelessly**: Avoid "currently" or "as of this writing" - the
documentation describes the product as it is today

### Explain technical behavior

Explain behavior from the reader's perspective. Lead with the observable
outcome, then add the implementation details needed to explain it.

Prefer:

> Changes made by the agent stay inside the sandbox until you fetch them. The
> agent works in a separate Git clone inside the sandbox.

Avoid:

> A session that works directly in the sandbox clone still can't modify your
> host repository.

The preferred version tells readers where changes happen and when they become
visible. The second version makes readers reconstruct the relationship between
the session, sandbox clone, and host repository.

Separate guarantees from variable behavior. Don't present behavior controlled
by another tool as a product default or guarantee. When behavior varies,
structure the explanation in this order:

1. State what always happens
2. State what the product doesn't control
3. Tell the reader what to do

For example:

> The `--clone` flag creates the clone, but it doesn't separate one task from
> another. To keep parallel tasks isolated, instruct your agent tool to create
> a separate branch or worktree for each task.

Avoid chains of qualifications such as "may," "can," and "depends" that leave
the reader without a conclusion. Keep qualifiers that are needed for accuracy.
State what controls the behavior and what the reader should do.

### Scope preservation

When updating existing documentation, resist the urge to expand
Expand Down Expand Up @@ -109,6 +146,10 @@ remake it.
Good additions fill genuine gaps. Bad additions change the document's
character. When in doubt, add less rather than more.

Include caveats, failure scenarios, and fallback behavior only when they affect
a decision or action. Don't turn a clarification into a catalog of edge
cases.

## Grammar and style

Write in US English with US grammar.
Expand Down Expand Up @@ -146,7 +187,11 @@ Use contractions to maintain a conversational tone, but don't overdo it.
- Never contract a noun with a verb (your container is ready, not your
container's ready)

### Dangling modifiers
### Clear subjects and modifiers

Name the actor when a system includes multiple tools or components. Repeat the
noun instead of using an ambiguous pronoun. For example, distinguish between
what a CLI creates, what an agent edits, and what remains on the host.

Avoid unclear subjects:

Expand Down Expand Up @@ -180,6 +225,11 @@ Avoid unclear subjects:

Remove unnecessary words to make documentation clearer and more direct.

Keep an adjective or qualifier only when it changes how readers understand the
behavior or complete the task. If removing it doesn't change an outcome,
decision, or next step, remove it. Apply the same test to implementation
Comment thread
dvdksn marked this conversation as resolved.
details.

**Eliminate redundant phrases:**

- ❌ "in order to" → ✅ "to"
Expand Down Expand Up @@ -559,6 +609,7 @@ Common phrases to transform for clearer, more direct writing:
- ✅ Direct and practical
- ✅ Conversational with active voice
- ✅ Specific and actionable
- ✅ Lead with observable outcomes
- ❌ Corporate-speak
- ❌ Condescending
- ❌ Overly formal
Expand Down