Feature Development Workflow
A systematic 7-phase approach to building features. Instead of jumping into code, this workflow guides you through understanding the codebase, clarifying requirements, designing architecture, and ensuring quality.
The 7 Phases
Phase 1: Discovery
Understand what needs to be built:
- Clarify feature request if unclear
- Identify constraints and requirements
- Confirm understanding with user
Phase 2: Codebase Exploration
Launch code-explorer agents to understand:
- Similar features and patterns
- Architecture and abstractions
- Related implementations
Phase 3: Clarifying Questions
Fill in gaps and resolve ambiguities:
- Edge cases
- Error handling
- Integration points
- Performance needs
Phase 4: Architecture Design
Design implementation approaches:
- Launch code-architect agents
- Compare trade-offs
- Recommend best approach
- Get user approval
Phase 5: Implementation
Build the feature:
- Read all relevant files
- Follow chosen architecture
- Match codebase conventions
- Track progress with todos
Phase 6: Quality Review
Ensure code quality:
- Launch code-reviewer agents
- Identify bugs and issues
- Check conventions
- Address findings
Phase 7: Summary
Document what was accomplished:
- What was built
- Key decisions
- Files modified
- Next steps
Agents
See agent definitions in the agents/ directory:
- agents/code-explorer.md - Traces execution paths and maps architecture
- agents/code-architect.md - Designs implementation blueprints
- agents/code-reviewer.md - Reviews for bugs and quality
When to Use
Use for:
- New features touching multiple files
- Features requiring architectural decisions
- Complex integrations with existing code
- Unclear requirements
Don't use for:
- Single-line bug fixes
- Trivial changes
- Urgent hotfixes
Detailed References
- references/workflow-patterns.md - Workflow best practices
- references/architecture-decisions.md - ADR patterns