# Work Unit Decomposition

> Decompose implementation plans into discrete work units with enumerated DoD items, file scope declarations, dependency mapping, and human checkpoint flags.

- Skill: `a5c-ai/work-unit-decomposition` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add a5c-ai/work-unit-decomposition`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/a5c-ai/work-unit-decomposition/raw
- Safety review: pending (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector PASS)
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: a5c-ai (https://skillmd.com/u/a5c-ai)
- Updated: 2026-09-09
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/a5c-ai/work-unit-decomposition

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- When decomposing a large feature into implementable chunks
- When preparing for orchestrated execution

## Work Unit Structure

Each work unit specifies:
- **ID** - Unique identifier
- **Title** - Human-readable description
- **Definition of Done** - Enumerated checklist items
- **File Scope** - Which files the unit may modify
- **Dependencies** - Other work units this depends on
- **Human Checkpoint** - Whether human approval is needed before execution
- **Parallel Safe** - Whether it can execute alongside other units

## Human Checkpoint Triggers

Mark human checkpoints for:
- Schema or database changes
- Security-sensitive code paths
- New architectural patterns not seen in codebase
- External API integrations
- Breaking changes to public interfaces

## Agents Used

- `agents/architect/` - Creates the decomposition
- `agents/cto/` - Validates TDD readiness per unit

## Tool Use

Invoke as part of: `methodologies/metaswarm/metaswarm-orchestrator` (Phase 4)