scope-drift.md

Scope drift

Scope is not the same as file count. A legitimate task can require a source change, a schema update, documentation, and focused tests across modules.

aet quick scope compares the current diff with a human-reviewed intent contract:

aet quick scope . --base main --intent aet.intent.json --format json

It records each change group, supporting evidence, and a counter-explanation. An unrelated refactor can be outside scope even when it is small; necessary cross-module compatibility work can remain relevant even when it touches several files.

AET does not silently expand allowed_paths or the changed-path budget. Update the intent contract only after human review of the broader task.