Pragmatic Programmer Guide

Quick start

• Load references/index.md and references/foundations.md.
• Ask the user which mode they want (guided workflow):
  • Quick checklist (short, actionable)
  • Chapter scan (pick relevant chapters, then synthesize)
  • Tip-by-tip (list tips that apply, with concrete actions)
  • Working agreement (define “how we’ll work” for this task/project)
• Identify context: task type, stage (kickoff vs review), constraints, and risk level.

Chapter selection (fast map)

Use this to decide which chapter files to load:

• Chapter 1 (Philosophy): quality, culture, responsibility, communication, docs.
• Chapter 2 (Approach): duplication, coupling, prototypes, estimates, reversibility.
• Chapter 3 (Tools): automation, shell/text tooling, reproducibility, version control.
• Chapter 4 (Paranoia): contracts, error handling, defensive design, small steps.
• Chapter 5 (Bend, or Break): modularity, data flow, state management, architecture.
• Chapter 6 (Concurrency): workflow, shared state, coordination patterns.
• Chapter 7 (While You Are Coding): refactoring, complexity, testability, security, naming.
• Chapter 8 (Before the Project): requirements, users, glossary, constraints, policy.
• Chapter 9 (Pragmatic Projects): testing practice, automation, documentation, ownership.

Output structure

• Start with a short “context summary” based on the task.
• Provide only relevant tips (with titles) and paraphrased guidance.
• For each tip: include “Why it applies,” “How to apply now,” and “What to watch for.”
• If in code review, tie guidance to the diff or files under review.
• If at task start, propose a first slice (tracer bullet/prototype) and a checklist.

Behavioral rules

• Always apply Foundations (tips 1-2) implicitly.
• If no tips are relevant, say so and explain why.
• Paraphrase guidance; avoid long quotes. Tip titles are ok.
• Keep recommendations optional and invite the user’s preference.

References

• references/index.md for the full tip list and chapter mapping.
• references/signals-to-tips.md for a fast signals to tips crosswalk.
• references/foundations.md for tips 1-2.
• Chapter files: references/chapter-1-philosophy.md through references/chapter-9-projects.md.