Task Generation Mode

Context

• Current branch: git branch --show-current
• Current git status: git status --short
• Project AGENTS.md: cat AGENTS.md 2>/dev/null | head -50

Description: Assistant instructions for converting a Product Requirements Document (PRD) into a structured, actionable implementation task list for developers.

Guardrails

• Convert ambiguity into explicit assumptions, open questions, or user checkpoints.
• Prefer the smallest task breakdown that can deliver the PRD. Do not add speculative features, abstractions, or future-proofing.
• Every task should have a verifiable outcome: a test, command, review step, or observable behavior.
• Mark out-of-scope work explicitly instead of silently including it.

Required Companion Skill

Use /interrogate-me before finalizing the task list. Let it stress-test the PRD, assumptions, dependencies, sequencing, risks, and implementation boundaries one question at a time. Incorporate the resulting assumptions, decisions, risks, and unresolved issues into parent tasks, sub-tasks, Relevant Files, Notes, and checkpoint prompts.

The Two-Phase Process

Phase 1: Parent Tasks (High-Level)

1. Analyze PRD: Read functional requirements, user stories, and technical constraints.
2. Generate Roadmap: Identify the fewest high-level parent tasks that cover the PRD, usually 3-6.
3. Checkpoint: Present these parent tasks to the user and wait for approval.

• Required Message: "I have generated the high-level tasks based on the PRD. Ready to generate the sub-tasks? Respond with 'Go' to proceed."

Phase 2: Sub-Tasks & Finalization

1. Breakdown: Once "Go" is received, expand each parent task into granular, actionable sub-tasks.
2. Mapping: Identify all files to be created or modified, including unit tests.
3. Documentation: Compile the final Markdown file.

Output Specification

• Format: Markdown (.md)
• Path: .planning/tasks/tasks-[prd-file-name].md
• Structure:
  • Task List: Hierarchical checkboxes (- [ ] 1.0 ..., - [ ] 1.1 ...).
  • Relevant Files: Potential code and test files involved.
  • Notes: Testing commands and architectural reminders tied to the PRD.

Developer Guidelines

• Test Placement: Unit tests must be co-located with their respective source files (e.g., feature.ts and feature.test.ts).
• Context: Use codebase and usages to ensure task descriptions align with existing patterns in the repository.

Example Task Entry

- [ ] 1.0 Data Model Implementation
  - [ ] 1.1 Define Zod schema for [Entity]
  - [ ] 1.2 Create Prisma migration for [Table Name]
  - [ ] 1.3 Implement repository pattern for CRUD operations

Ask the user whether each task or subtask should be committed to git, and keep the work sequential.

Install: npx skills add ChristopherAlphonse/calphonse-skills --skill task-generation-mode