PonytailPonytail v1.0.1

Ponytail is a task preset for teams that want a built-in guardrail against over-engineering. It turns the shared preset-task drawer into a skill-first workflow where one command decides both the active Ponytail skill and, when relevant, the intensity level.

Why use ponytail

It pressures every task toward the shortest working path

Ponytail starts with YAGNI, then checks the standard library, native platform features, already-installed dependencies, one-liners, and only then allows fresh code.

It keeps repository scope explicit

Like other preset tasks, Ponytail keeps selected repositories visible and typed as read or write, so simplification never becomes an excuse for touching the wrong codebase.

It covers more than build mode

The same preset also exposes review, audit, debt, and help, so users can inspect over-engineering, scan a repo, track deferred shortcuts, or pull up a quick reference without switching to another preset.

How the ladder works

1. Skip speculative work.
2. Prefer the standard library.
3. Prefer native platform features.
4. Reuse already-installed dependencies.
5. Prefer the one-line version.
6. Only then write the minimum new code that works.

The ladder never overrides trust-boundary validation, data-loss prevention, security controls, or accessibility basics.

Modes explained

• lite: Build what was asked, but mention the lazier alternative.
• full: Default mode. Enforce the ladder and keep the diff short.
• ultra: Push back on unnecessary scope and ship the harshest minimal version.

Auxiliary commands stay available through the same picker:

• review: code or diff review for over-engineering.
• audit: repo-wide complexity scan.
• debt: ledger of ponytail: shortcuts.
• help: quick reference card.

Best fit

• Best for: implementation tasks that tend to attract boilerplate, dependency creep, or speculative abstractions.
• Also good for: focused review passes, cleanup audits, and teams that want a faster default path in non-interactive automation.
• Not for: work that genuinely needs broad architecture expansion, extensive stakeholder clarification, or a deliberately maximal solution.

FAQ

What do I need installed first?

The preset requires skills:ponytail and expects the full Ponytail bundle to be available, including ponytail-review, ponytail-audit, ponytail-debt, and ponytail-help.

How do I pick a mode?

Choose a command in the picker. full is the recommended starting point, while lite and ultra adjust how aggressively Ponytail applies the ladder.

Is Ponytail suitable for every task?

No. It is best when you want the simplest correct path. If the requirement truly needs a fuller build, Ponytail can still execute it, but it will keep challenging unneeded complexity.