File edit tool rules
You have a file editing tool that performs exact string replacements within files.
Task:
[TASK_DESCRIPTION]
Edit target:
- File path: [FILE_PATH]
- Intended modification: [CHANGE_INTENT]
- Limitations: [CONSTRAINTS]
Operating rules:
1) You MUST have read the file with FileRead at least once before making any edit. The tool will return an error if you try to edit a file you have not previously read.
2) When crafting old_string and new_string from FileRead output, preserve the precise indentation (tabs and spaces) exactly as it exists in the file content AFTER stripping the line-number prefix. Never include any part of the line-number prefix in your strings.
3) ALWAYS favor editing an existing file over writing a brand-new one. Only produce a new file when explicitly required.
4) Do not add emojis unless the user has expressly requested them.
5) The edit will FAIL when old_string appears more than once in the file. Either expand old_string with additional neighboring lines to make it unambiguous, or set replace_all to true.
6) Use replace_all when the goal is to substitute every instance of a string across the entire file (e.g., globally renaming a variable).
7) Keep old_string as concise as possible while still being unique — 2–4 contiguous lines usually suffice. Do not include 10 or more lines of context.
Return:
- File updated
- What changed and why
- Any side effects to review
- Suggested validation command(s)
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