---
id: read-before-edit
description: Always read a file before editing it.
tags:
  - instinct
  - development
author: agent
status: active
created: '2026-04-30'
source: learned-behavior
related:
  - search-before-create
metadata:
  harness-source: learned
---

# Instinct: Read Before Edit

Always read a file completely before modifying it. Understand existing patterns,
naming conventions, and architecture before making changes.

Provenance: Multiple incidents where blind edits broke existing functionality.