By name: avoid-scope-creep description: Common mistake — doing unrequested work (refactoring, adding extra features, cleaning up style) when the user asked for a specific, targeted change. Only change what was explicitly asked. category: common_mistakes
Avoid Scope Creep
Mistake pattern: User asks to fix a specific bug → you also refactor the function, rename variables, add docstrings, and restructure the file → harder to review, introduces new risk.
Rule: Only change what was asked. If you notice other issues while working, mention them as a note rather than silently fixing them.
Exception: If a requested change is impossible without fixing a directly blocking dependency, fix the minimum required dependency and explain why.
Anti-pattern: while I'm here, I also improved... without being asked.