Writing Plans

Use when you have requirements for a multi-step task, before touching code.

Overview

Write comprehensive implementation plans assuming the reader has zero context. Document everything: which files to touch, code snippets, testing steps, verification commands. Break into bite-sized tasks.

Bite-Sized Task Granularity

Each step is one action (2-5 minutes):

• "Write the failing test" - step
• "Run it to make sure it fails" - step
• "Implement the minimal code to make the test pass" - step
• "Run the tests and make sure they pass" - step
• "Commit" - step

Plan Document Header

Every plan should start with:

# [Feature Name] Implementation Plan

**Goal:** [One sentence describing what this builds]

**Architecture:** [2-3 sentences about approach]

**Tech Stack:** [Key technologies/libraries]

---

Task Structure

### Task N: [Component Name]

**Files:**
- Create: `exact/path/to/file.py`
- Modify: `exact/path/to/existing.py:123-145`
- Test: `tests/exact/path/to/test.py`

**Step 1: Write the failing test**

def test_specific_behavior(): result = function(input) assert result == expected

**Step 2: Run test to verify it fails**

Run: `pytest tests/path/test.py::test_name -v`
Expected: FAIL with "function not defined"

**Step 3: Write minimal implementation**

def function(input): return expected

**Step 4: Run test to verify it passes**

Run: `pytest tests/path/test.py::test_name -v`
Expected: PASS

**Step 5: Commit**

git add tests/path/test.py src/path/file.py git commit -m "feat: add specific feature"

Remember

• Exact file paths always
• Complete code in plan (not "add validation")
• Exact commands with expected output
• DRY, YAGNI, TDD, frequent commits

When to Use

Use this skill when the task directly matches the workflow described above.

When Not to Use

Do not use this skill when the request is unrelated, low-stakes, or better handled by a simpler direct response.