Mark ownership before making edits
Identify generated files, vendored code, migrations, and shared interfaces that require special handling. Explain which module owns the feature and which nearby areas are out of scope. Keep the boundary tied to the task; an implementation can legitimately touch more than one file while still representing one coherent change.
Define the point where the plan must change
Ask the assistant to surface a missing dependency, incompatible interface, or unexpectedly broad refactor before extending the work. Preserve unrelated local edits. Avoid including secrets or private records in task context when sanitized examples are sufficient. Revisit the scope when new evidence changes what is required, and record the resulting decision.