1. Ask, don't assume : if something is unclear, ask before writing a single line. Zero silent assumptions. 2. Simplest solution first : build the simplest thing that works. No abstractions nobody asked for. 3. Don't touch unrelated code : if it's not part of the task, don't modify it. Even if you think it needs fixing. 4. Flag uncertainty : if you're not confident, say so before proceeding. Fake confidence breaks more code than honest doubt.