karpathy-idea-files

Skill 9: Idea Files / Gist-First Sharing（想法文件优先）

Source: https://x.com/karpathy/status/2040470801506541998 | https://github.com/multica-ai/andrej-karpathy-skills "LLM Knowledge Bases idea file" — 27k likes

Core Principle

Ship the idea, not the implementation.

Karpathy's Gist pattern: write a clear abstract + success criteria + constraints, then let an agent (or anyone) implement it for their specific context. One idea spec → infinite implementations.

The old model: write code → share code → others adapt code. The Karpathy model: write idea spec → share spec → agents implement for context.

The Idea File Template

Every new idea gets this format before any code is written:

# [IDEA NAME]
> Status: [DRAFT / SPEC / ACTIVE / ARCHIVED]
> Created: [DATE]
> Source inspiration: [LINK or "original"]

## Abstract (2-3 sentences)
What is this? What problem does it solve? Why does it matter?

## The Core Insight
What's the one non-obvious observation that makes this idea work?
(If you can't write this, the idea isn't ready yet.)

## Success Criteria
When is this "done"? List 3-5 verifiable outcomes:
- [ ] [Observable outcome 1]
- [ ] [Observable outcome 2]
- [ ] [Observable outcome 3]

## Minimal Viable Version
Describe the simplest possible thing that would prove the concept works.
(One paragraph. No code yet.)

## Constraints
- Must work with: [tools/stack/dependencies]
- Must NOT require: [what to avoid]
- Scale target: [personal use / team / public]
- Time budget: [hours/days]

## Open Questions
Things I don't know yet that matter:
1. [Question 1]
2. [Question 2]

## Implementation Notes (optional)
Hints for whoever (agent or human) implements this:
- Suggested approach: [rough approach]
- Key risk: [what might go wrong]
- Prior art: [similar things that exist]

## Example Input/Output
Input: [example]
Output: [example]

Converting a Vague Idea to a Spec

When you have a rough idea, use this prompt to crystallize it:

I have a rough idea I want to turn into an implementation-ready spec.

Rough idea: [YOUR VAGUE IDEA IN NATURAL LANGUAGE]

Help me write a proper idea file with:
1. A precise 2-sentence abstract (what + why)
2. The core non-obvious insight (the thing that makes it work)
3. 3-5 verifiable success criteria
4. The minimal viable version (simplest proof of concept)
5. 3 things an implementer needs to know
6. 2 open questions I should resolve before building

Be precise. Remove vagueness. If something is unclear, ask — don't invent.