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DietrichGebert/ponytail

A prompt-based skill that makes AI coding agents write only the code a task needs, favoring reuse and minimal solutions over large implementations.

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What is it?

Ponytail is a prompt that loads into AI coding agents such as Claude Code, Codex, Cursor and others. It instructs the agent to work through a ladder of options before writing code: check whether the feature is needed, look for existing code in the repo, use the standard library or native platform features, and only then write the smallest version that works. The stated goal is to write only what the task needs while never cutting validation, error handling, security or accessibility.

Beyond the core prompt, Ponytail adds slash commands for reviewing a diff (/ponytail-review), auditing a whole repo (/ponytail-audit), collecting deferred `shortcut:` comments into a ledger (/ponytail-debt), and switching intensity levels. In Claude Code it also shows a status band above the prompt with task cost, tokens, agent time, code-reuse share and test results, plus a local board page summarizing past sessions.

The project is distributed as a Claude Code plugin, a Codex plugin, an npm package and a plain AGENTS.md file that can be copied into any project. The repository's own benchmark figures compare agent runs with and without the skill.

Key features

  • 01Walks the agent through a ladder of checks before writing new code, starting from whether the code is needed at all.
  • 02Favors reusing existing repo code, standard library and native platform features over new dependencies.
  • 03Provides /ponytail-review for diff review covering bugs, security and missing tests.
  • 04Provides /ponytail-audit to rank issues across a whole repository.
  • 05Shows a cost, token and test-status band in Claude Code and a local session board.

Use cases

  • Keeping an AI coding agent from over-engineering small features in an existing codebase.
  • Reviewing an agent's uncommitted changes for bugs and untested risky logic before committing.
  • Auditing an unfamiliar repository to find what to fix first.
  • Tracking the cost and time of agent-driven coding tasks in Claude Code.

Quick start

  1. 1

    Install in Claude Code: add the marketplace

    /plugin marketplace add DietrichGebert/ponytail
  2. 2

    Install the ponytail plugin in Claude Code

    /plugin install ponytail@ponytail
  3. 3

    Or for other agents, copy AGENTS.md into your project (see INSTALL.md)

Things to know

  • Install paths and the full band and board features are tied to specific hosts, such as Claude Code 2.1.290 or later for the band.
  • Some commands only work in skill-capable hosts; instruction-only adapters load the rules without commands.

Topics

#agent-skills#ai-agents#claude-code#prompt-engineering#code-review#llm#developer-tools#claude#claude-code-plugin#cursor-rules

FAQ

What is ponytail?
A prompt-based skill that makes AI coding agents write only the code a task needs, favoring reuse and minimal solutions over large implementations. Ponytail is a prompt that loads into AI coding agents such as Claude Code, Codex, Cursor and others. It instructs the agent to work through a ladder of options before writing code: check whether the feature is needed, look for existing code in the repo, use the standard library or native platform features, and only then write the smallest version that works. The stated goal is to write only what the task needs while never cutting validation, error handling, security or accessibility.
Is ponytail free to use? What license does it have?
ponytail is open source under the MIT license. Check the license terms before using it in commercial products.
Is ponytail still maintained?
Actively maintained. The last commit to ponytail was on Oct 18, 2026.
What can I use ponytail for?
Keeping an AI coding agent from over-engineering small features in an existing codebase. Reviewing an agent's uncommitted changes for bugs and untested risky logic before committing. Auditing an unfamiliar repository to find what to fix first. Tracking the cost and time of agent-driven coding tasks in Claude Code.
How do I install ponytail?
Install in Claude Code: add the marketplace: /plugin marketplace add DietrichGebert/ponytail Install the ponytail plugin in Claude Code: /plugin install ponytail@ponytail Or for other agents, copy AGENTS.md into your project (see INSTALL.md)
Where can I get ponytail?
The source code and installation instructions are on GitHub: https://github.com/DietrichGebert/ponytail

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