andrej-karpathy-skills
A single CLAUDE.md file to improve Claude Code behavior, derived from Andrej Karpathy's observations on LLM coding pitfalls.
A Claude Code plugin and agent skill that delivers a structured CLAUDE.md guideline file inspired by Andrej Karpathy's observations on common LLM coding mistakes. The skill enforces four core principles—Think Before Coding, Simplicity First, Surgical Changes, and Goal-Driven Execution—to reduce overengineering, unnecessary refactoring, and silent assumptions. Developers install it either as a Claude Code plugin for global use or as a project-specific CLAUDE.md file, with additional support for Cursor IDE through committed rule files. The guidelines help AI assistants produce cleaner diffs, ask clarifying questions upfront, and avoid bloated abstractions.
Key Features
Use Cases
- 01Reducing bloated code generation and unnecessary abstractions in AI-assisted development
- 02Preventing silent assumptions and encouraging clarifying questions before implementation
- 03Ensuring AI coding assistants make only requested changes without refactoring adjacent code
- 04Enforcing test-driven workflows where AI writes verification criteria before implementation
- 05Standardizing coding behavior across multiple projects using Claude Code plugin mode
- 06Improving code review outcomes by minimizing diff noise and drive-by improvements
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andrej-karpathy-skills — FAQ
What is andrej-karpathy-skills?+
It's a Claude Code plugin and agent skill that provides a CLAUDE.md guideline file based on Andrej Karpathy's insights into common LLM coding mistakes. The guidelines teach AI assistants to avoid overcomplication, make surgical changes, and verify success criteria.
How do I install andrej-karpathy-skills in Claude Code?+
Run '/plugin marketplace add forrestchang/andrej-karpathy-skills' to add the marketplace, then '/plugin install andrej-karpathy-skills@karpathy-skills' to install. Alternatively, download the CLAUDE.md file directly into your project root using curl.
Which AI clients work with this skill?+
It works with Claude Code as a plugin and with Cursor IDE via the committed .cursor/rules file. For other Claude-compatible clients, you can add the CLAUDE.md file to your project directory.
Do I need API keys or prerequisites?+
No API keys are required. You only need Claude Code or Cursor IDE installed, or any AI assistant that reads CLAUDE.md files from project directories.
Is andrej-karpathy-skills free to use?+
Yes, it's open source under the MIT license and free to use in any project.
Can I customize the guidelines for my project?+
Yes, the guidelines are designed to merge with project-specific instructions. You can append custom rules and coding standards to the CLAUDE.md file alongside the core principles.
How do I install andrej-karpathy-skills?+
Open the source repository on GitHub and follow its README. andrej-karpathy-skills is a plugin — MCP Agents Market links you directly to the official repo.
Is andrej-karpathy-skills free?+
andrej-karpathy-skills is an open-source project hosted on GitHub. Check the repository for its license and any usage requirements.