apply-code-conventions

Apply Code Conventions

Style source of truth: Style and formatting defer to the project's configured linter(s). This skill adds non-style behavior and architecture guidance only. For Hotwire + Tailwind specifics, see apply-stack-conventions.

Quick Reference

Topic	Rule
Principles	DRY, YAGNI, PORO where it helps, CoC, KISS
Comments / tags	Explain why; tagged notes need actionable context
Logging	First arg: static string; second arg: hash with event: key; no interpolation; backtrace on errors
Deep stacks	Chain apply-stack-conventions → domain skills (services, jobs, RSpec)

HARD-GATE

TESTS GATE IMPLEMENTATION:
When this skill guides new behavior, the tests gate still applies:
PRD → TASKS → TEST (write, run, fail) → IMPLEMENTATION → …
No implementation code before a failing test. See write-tests.

Core Process

When reviewing or refactoring Rails code, follow this sequence. Each step maps to a required checkpoint in your output.

1. Run linter — Detect config (e.g. .rubocop.yml or .standard.yml), run the appropriate tool, note absence if none found. Output: linter detected (or absent); style defers to it.
2. Apply area-specific rules — Check path patterns and apply targeted guidance from the Apply by area table. Output: concrete per-path recommendations for every relevant changed file.
3. Verify tests gate — Confirm failing tests exist before any new behavior. Output: failing spec, run command, expected failure, minimal implementation step, passing rerun.
4. Enforce structured logging — Ensure all Rails.logger calls use static strings + structured hashes with an event: key, plus backtrace for errors. Output: apply structured logging rules from Sub-Rules below.
5. Enforce comment discipline — Ensure all tags (TODO:, FIXME:) have actionable context (owner, ticket). Output: apply comment discipline rules from Sub-Rules below.
6. Chain to specialised skills — Use the Integration table to pull in deeper guidance (security, jobs, specs) as needed.