---
name: Design before code
description: User prefers first-principles algorithm design before reading existing code
type: feedback
---

When tackling complex geometry/algorithm problems, design the ideal approach from first principles BEFORE reading the existing code. Then compare the ideal to what's implemented to find bugs.

**Why:** User explicitly asked for this workflow — "I'd rather have you think of how you'd recommend doing it FIRST, then compare to the existing code." Jumping straight to code reading led to patches that missed the root cause.

**How to apply:** For non-trivial algorithm bugs, start with a clean-room design of what the correct approach should be, then diff against the implementation.