incremental-development

name	incremental-development
description	Guidelines for incremental development practices. Claude should use this skill when writing multiple similar files (tests, classes, configurations) to ensure each piece is verified before moving to the next.

Incremental Development Guidelines

When creating multiple similar files or implementing multiple similar features, follow these guidelines:

One at a Time

Complete and verify ONE item before starting the next:

1. Write the first file
2. Update any dependencies (build.gradle, package.json, etc.)
3. Verify it compiles
4. Verify it runs/passes
5. Only then start the second file

Why This Matters

• Catches errors early before they're duplicated
• Avoids propagating the same mistake across multiple files
• Faster debugging - you know exactly which change caused a problem
• Each verified step builds confidence for the next

Examples

Writing Multiple Tests

BAD:

Write TestA.java
Write TestB.java
Write TestC.java
Update build.gradle
Try to compile - find errors in all three

GOOD:

Write TestA.java
Update build.gradle with test dependencies
Compile TestA
Run TestA - verify it passes
Write TestB.java
Compile and run TestB
Write TestC.java
Compile and run TestC

Writing Multiple Configuration Classes

BAD:

Write ConfigA.java
Write ConfigB.java
Compile - both have the same import error

GOOD:

Write ConfigA.java
Compile - works
Write ConfigB.java
Compile - works

When to Apply

Apply incremental development when:

• Writing multiple test classes
• Creating multiple similar configuration classes
• Implementing multiple similar features
• Any task where files follow a similar pattern

Do NOT batch similar work if each piece requires verification.