Use when responses are verbose, files are being read unnecessarily, multiple turns are used where one would suffice, or at session start to enforce lean operation.
Core rule: minimum tokens, maximum precision. Every word must earn its place.
offset+limit when location is known| Pattern | Why It Costs |
|---|---|
Read without limit to find a symbol | High input tokens |
| Trailing summary at end of response | Wasted output tokens |
| Restating the user's request | Wasted output tokens |
| Multiple unprompted alternatives | Multiplied output |
| Commenting unchanged code | Noise + output cost |
Write when Edit suffices | Sends entire file |
| Confirmation at every step | Extra turns |
| Opening a file to verify what Grep could answer | Unnecessary input |
Need file content?
├─ Know the exact location? → Read with offset+limit
├─ Know a symbol or pattern? → Grep first
├─ Need the structure? → Glob first
└─ None of the above? → Glob → Grep → targeted Read
Invoke with /cost-governor at the start of a session or when costs are climbing.