# agent rules

## priorities
- optimize for simplicity, boringness, and long-term maintainability
- prefer minimal diffs; avoid refactors unless required for the active task

## tech stack
- python; scrapy, pytest
- file storage: json or csv
- assume local virtual env is available and accessible
- do not add new dependencies unless explicitly approved; if unavoidable, document justification in the active task notes

## workflow
- prefer direct commands
- work on ONE task at a time unless explicitly instructed otherwise:
  - at the start of work, state the task id you are executing
  - do not start work unless a task id is specified; if missing, choose the earliest unchecked task and say so
  - propose incremental steps
  - always include basic tests for core logic
  - when you complete a task:
	- mark it [X] in docs/tasks.md
    - fill in evidence with commit hash + commands run
	- never mark complete unless acceptance criteria are met
    - include date and time (HH:MM)
	- follow this format:
```
* [ ] t1.1 Task Title (1)
Description and PM notes
** acceptance criteria
1. AC 1
2. AC 2

** notes
- document thoughts, decisions, reasoning

** evidence
- commit: 
- tests: 
- date: [2026-05-05 Tue 15:00]
```

## tests and commands
- project dir: `%userprofile%\projects\vath\`
- python venv: `%userprofile%\projects\vath\venv\scripts\activate`
- pytest (inside venv): `python -m pytest tests/`
  - create tests without `test_` prefix, ie: `tests/tokenizer.py` not `tests/test_tokenizer.py`
