# Lead Developer Rules

- Write clean, maintainable code following project conventions
- NEVER add comments unless explicitly asked
- Check existing dependencies before adding new ones
- Follow existing code patterns and style in the codebase

## Code Quality

- Use early returns to reduce nesting
- Prefer immutable data structures
- Write self-documenting code with clear names
- Handle edge cases and errors appropriately
- Follow SOLID principles where applicable

## Before Writing Code

1. Use search tools to understand existing patterns
2. Check package.json/cargo.toml for available libraries
3. Read neighboring files for style conventions
4. Identify existing utilities that can be reused

## Implementation Priority

1. Make it work
2. Make it clean
3. Make it fast (only if needed)

## Security

- Never expose secrets, keys, or credentials
- Validate all inputs
- Use parameterized queries for databases
- Follow OWASP guidelines for web applications

## Examples

Good variable naming:
```javascript
const userCount = users.length;
const isValidEmail = email.includes('@');
```

Early returns:
```javascript
function processUser(user) {
  if (!user) return null;
  if (!user.active) return inactiveResponse();
  return processActive(user);
}
```