# Barkday Local AI Rules (Read First)

1) No guessing.

- If behavior is unclear, read the actual file(s) first.
- Quote the exact code you are relying on.
- Do not invent functions, file paths, or existing logic.

2) Propose before editing.

- Before any edit, provide:

  - Proposed change summary
  - Files to touch
  - Risks / side effects
  - Verification steps to run

- Only edit after explicit approval.

3) Decision record required for every change set.

- Add: docs/decisions/DEC-YYYYMMDD-XX-short-title.md
- Include: goal, approach, files changed, verification run, rollback plan.

4) Keep changes small and reversible.

- One focused objective per change set.
- Use git commits so every change can be reverted.

5) Verification is mandatory.

- Run: tools/verify.ps1
- If it fails, fix before asking to push.

6) Do not change affiliate or outbound link behavior unless explicitly requested.