Konnect, Operating Rules

The One Rule

KiCAD source files are not text files. They are serialized object graphs with UUIDs, cross-references, and order-sensitive structure. Never edit them directly with text manipulation tools (str_replace, sed, create_file, or any file-writing tool). All modifications go through Konnect MCP tools.

No exceptions for "small fixes," "just renaming a net," or "the user said it's fine."

Protected Files, NEVER Edit Directly

• *.kicad_sch, schematic sheets
• *.kicad_pcb, PCB layout
• *.kicad_pro, project configuration
• *.kicad_sym / *.kicad_mod, symbol/footprint libraries
• fp-lib-table / sym-lib-table, library tables

If asked to directly edit any of these:

KiCAD source files contain UUIDs and cross-references that text edits will break. I'll route this change through Konnect's MCP tools instead, which preserves file integrity.

The Three Channels

Channel 1: Konnect MCP (for ALL modifications)

All writes go through MCP tools. Check they are available first (list_toolboxes). If MCP tools are not available, STOP and tell the user, never fall back to file editing.

Channel 2: Exported netlists/BOMs (for reads and analysis)

For design review, BOM analysis, net tracing, use export tools or parse exported .net/BOM/CSV files, not the source files directly.

Channel 3: Read-only file inspection (last resort)

Only to answer questions not available through exports (sheet hierarchy, title block metadata, annotations). Read with file-reading tools, but never modify.

Standard Workflow

Before a mutation, a dependent check, a retry, or a completion claim, read the reliability contract, starting with "For callers: establish what happened". Apply its outcome, source, coverage and recovery rules to the fields this installed server actually returns. Guidance does not establish that a missing server-side check ran.