Implementation Planning

Implementation Planning

A plan is executable context for a future worker with no memory of the conversation.

Planning workflow

1. Re-read the design or requirements and list acceptance criteria.
2. Map files/artifacts: exact paths to create, modify, validate, or avoid.
3. Decompose tasks: each task should be independently understandable and verifiable.
4. Write steps: test/reproducer first where possible, implementation second, verification third.
5. Add stop conditions: unclear requirement, failing baseline, scope expansion, unsafe action, or missing dependency.
6. Self-review: check coverage, placeholders, path accuracy, type/name consistency, and validation commands.

Task shape

Each task should include:

• Goal: one behavior or artifact.
• Files: exact paths and intended responsibility.
• Steps: small actions in order; avoid “do the appropriate thing”.
• Verification: command, expected outcome, or artifact check.
• Commit/review gate: what must be true before moving on.

Plan quality gates

• No unresolved placeholders ("similar to previous") or undefined functions/types.
• No task that requires reading the entire prior conversation.
• No cross-task file conflicts; tasks must not mutate shared files in ways that depend on execution order.
• No hidden assumptions about scope, credentials, targets, or destructive actions.
• No bundled unrelated cleanup.
• Review spec compliance before code quality when delegating implementation.
• Block only on wrong artifact, stuck worker, or scope overreach — not style or formatting.