anti-overengineering — Cursor rule: what it does, how to install
This Cursor rule keeps edits tied to the request and avoids extra abstractions, dependencies, and broad file rewrites.
.cursor/rules/anti-overengineering.mdcWhat anti-overengineering does
The rule directs Cursor to change only the requested code and start with the simplest workable approach. It also blocks abstractions without a concrete need, unnecessary imports, whole-file rewrites for small edits, and handling for impossible cases.
Before delivering a result, it asks for a scope check: confirm that the requested code is the only code changed and that no unrelated files were touched. Its file pattern is **/*.
The metadata sets alwaysApply to false, so the rule should not be treated as permanently active. Store it at .cursor/rules/anti-overengineering.mdc.
What it helps with
- keep edits within the user’s request
- remove unnecessary dependencies from a change
- avoid rewriting whole files for small fixes
- check for unrelated file changes before delivery
Example prompts for the agent
- Change only the code needed for this request and try the simplest approach first.
- Do not add an abstraction or dependency unless this task has a concrete need for it.
- Before you finish, verify that no unrelated files were modified.
How to install anti-overengineering
Manually: put the files in place
.cursor/rules/anti-overengineering.mdcFrontmatter: description, globs, alwaysApply
Manually: put the files in place
.claude/rules/anti-overengineering.mdThe paths frontmatter field limits the files: move globs from the source into paths
AGENTS.md
Codex reads AGENTS.md: paste the rule text there
Manually: put the files in place
.github/instructions/anti-overengineering.instructions.mdThe applyTo field sets which files it applies to: move globs from the source into applyTo
Manually: put the files in place
.devin/rules/anti-overengineering.mdManually: put the files in place
.clinerules/anti-overengineering.mdStep by step, with commands for each platform: Cursor rules: .mdc files, four modes and what replaced .cursorrules
Questions about anti-overengineering
How do I install anti-overengineering in Cursor?
Place the rule file at .cursor/rules/anti-overengineering.mdc.
What does anti-overengineering do?
It keeps edits scoped to the request, favors a simple solution, and rejects unnecessary abstractions, dependencies, and broad rewrites.
Which files does the anti-overengineering rule cover?
Its file pattern is **/*. The metadata sets alwaysApply to false.
Source text
anti-overengineering.mdc · CC0-1.0
--- description: "Prevent AI over-engineering by keeping changes scoped, simple, and directly tied to the user's request" globs: ["**/*"] alwaysApply: false --- # Anti-Over-Engineering Only change what was asked. Simplest solution first. When unsure, ask. Do not modify unrequested code, add abstractions without a concrete need, import unnecessary dependencies, rewrite entire files for small changes, or add error handling for impossible scenarios. Before delivery: verify you only changed requested code, check for simpler approaches, confirm no unrequested files were touched.
© PatrickJS · CC0-1.0 · PatrickJS/awesome-cursorrules
