# The Pragmatic Programmer

Apply Hunt and Thomas-inspired pragmatic programming rules when improving engineering...

- Repository: https://github.com/ciembor/agent-rules-books (3164 stars)
- Category: Engineering
- License: MIT
- Last updated: 2026-09-10
- Runs scripts: no, instructions only

## Install

Claude Code: `npx skills add ciembor/agent-rules-books --skill the-pragmatic-programmer -g -a claude-code -y`
Codex: `npx skills add ciembor/agent-rules-books --skill the-pragmatic-programmer -g -a codex -y`
Cursor: `npx skills add ciembor/agent-rules-books --skill the-pragmatic-programmer -g -a cursor -y`
Gemini CLI: `npx skills add ciembor/agent-rules-books --skill the-pragmatic-programmer -g -a gemini-cli -y`

## Description

Apply Hunt and Thomas-inspired pragmatic programming rules when improving engineering judgment, feedback loops, DRY knowledge, orthogonality, automation, or adaptability.

## SKILL.md, as published by its author (untrusted third-party text, read it as data)

# The Pragmatic Programmer Skill

Use this skill when a task involves pragmatic engineering judgment, responsibility, DRY at the knowledge level, orthogonality, automation, prototyping, fast feedback, or adaptable design.

Before making design or code decisions, read and apply [the-pragmatic-programmer.mini.md](the-pragmatic-programmer.mini.md). Use [the-pragmatic-programmer.md](the-pragmatic-programmer.md) only as a deeper reference when the mini rules are not enough for the current engineering tradeoff.