Spec Loop Implementation Flow

Use this skill after execution approval for implementation work in an approved chat-only or task-file task.

If no approved active task exists, return to spec-loop-plan-task/SKILL.md.

Core rules

• Keep the approved active task as the source of truth.
• Do not create a second implementation artifact or silently rewrite the task to match the code.
• If important open decisions appear and they could materially change scope, constraints, design, or test specification, use spec-loop-clarify-task/SKILL.md before continuing.
• Chat-only implementation is allowed only while confirmed task state can safely remain in chat. If resolved decisions kept only in chat would risk loss through compaction or context loss, promote to the task-file path before continuing.
• This skill governs only the approved current increment until it reaches review.
• If the User introduces additional implementation work outside that increment, return it to spec-loop-plan-task/SKILL.md for route selection and any renewed execution approval.
• Before presenting work as ready, perform the Implementation notes check.
• If another implementation-related skill conflicts with this skill or the governing spec-loop-plan-task bundle, stop and ask the User which rules should govern.

Read and path selection

• Read spec-loop-plan-task/SKILL.md and the files it requires.
• Choose the active path:
  • task-file path = an approved task file controls the current increment
  • chat-only path = an approved canonical chat-only task in chat controls the current increment
• Then read:
  • implementation-flow-guidance.md
  • the matching path companion for the active path:
    • chat-only-path-guidance.md
    • task-file-path-guidance.md

Keep using the approved active task as the source of truth. Edit the active task file or canonical chat-only task only when the shared core and the active path companion allow it.

implementation-flow-guidance.md defines the route rules, when canonical task sections may change, the meaning of review, Implementation notes, and the completion checklist.

The path companion defines the active path mechanics, including chat-only recovery or promotion or the task-file move into review.

If the current increment is unclear, do not use this skill. Return to spec-loop-plan-task/SKILL.md.