Context First

TRAP 1 & 2 Defense: Load context before implementation

Core Principle

Never implement before understanding. Context loading is mandatory before any code changes.

3-Step Validation Protocol

Before ANY implementation:

Step 1: Dry Reading

Read existing code to understand:

•Current architecture patterns
•Related components and dependencies
•Existing conventions in similar files

Step 2: Context Gathering

Load artifacts based on request type:

Request Category	Context to Load
New feature	Product requirements, UX specs
Feature extension	Architecture, existing patterns
Bug fix	Sprint status, story context
Refactoring	Architecture, project truths
Documentation	Architecture, existing docs
Ambiguous	AGENTS.md, project truths

Step 3: Plan Validation

Confirm approach before coding:

•Does it align with project architecture?
•Is scope manageable (< 4 hours)?
•Are dependencies identified?

Artifact Freshness

Documents have different lifespans:

Document Type	Typical Lifespan	Refresh Trigger
Architecture	Long-lived	Major changes only
ADRs	Long-lived	Superseded by new ADR
Stories	Sprint-lived	Sprint completion
Tech specs	Story-lived	Story completion
Plans	Task-lived	Task completion

Check modification timestamps. Stale artifacts (> 2 hours for short-lived, > 24 hours for long-lived) may need refresh.

Document Tiering

Documents iterate on each other in tiers:

code

Tier 1: Governing (Architecture, PRD, AGENTS.md)
   ↓ informs
Tier 2: Planning (Epics, Stories, ADRs)
   ↓ informs  
Tier 3: Execution (Tech Specs, Tasks)
   ↓ informs
Tier 4: Ephemeral (Session notes, scratch files)

Always validate lower tiers against higher tiers. If Tier 3 conflicts with Tier 1, Tier 1 wins.

Integration

Use project context loader tools to load based on request classification:

•Identify prompt type from request
•Load recommended context files
•Validate freshness before using

Failure Mode

If validation fails:

code

⛔ CONTEXT FIRST VIOLATION

Attempted: {action}
Missing: {missing_context}
Tier conflict: {if any}

ACTION: Complete 3-Step Validation before proceeding.