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agent-coordinator/.github/instructions/no-duplicate-files.instructions.md

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applyTo: '**'
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# No Duplicate Files Policy
## Critical Rule: NO DUPLICATE FILES
**NEVER** create files with adjectives or verbs that duplicate existing functionality:
-`enhanced_mcp_server.ex` when `mcp_server.ex` exists
-`unified_mcp_server.ex` when `mcp_server.ex` exists
-`mcp_server_manager.ex` when `mcp_server.ex` exists
-`new_config.ex` when `config.ex` exists
-`improved_task_registry.ex` when `task_registry.ex` exists
## What To Do Instead
1. **BEFORE** making changes that might create a new file:
```bash
git add . && git commit -m "Save current state before refactoring"
```
2. **MODIFY** the existing file directly instead of creating a "new" version
3. **IF** you need to completely rewrite a file:
- Make the changes directly to the original file
- Don't create `*_new.*` or `enhanced_*.*` versions
## Why This Rule Exists
When you create duplicate files:
- Future sessions can't tell which file is "real"
- The codebase becomes inconsistent and confusing
- Multiple implementations cause bugs and maintenance nightmares
- Even YOU get confused about which file to edit next time
## The Human Is Right
The human specifically said: "Do not re-create the same file with some adjective/verb attached while leaving the original, instead, update the code and make it better, changes are good."
**Listen to them.** They prefer file replacement over duplicates.
## Implementation
- Always check if a file with similar functionality exists before creating a new one
- Use `git add . && git commit` before potentially destructive changes
- Replace, don't duplicate
- Keep the codebase clean and consistent
**This rule is more important than any specific feature request.**