Vibe Coding Workflow

Vibe Coding Workflow

Systematic 6-phase workflow for AI-assisted development that ensures clarity, quality, and maintainability.

Quick Start

When starting any development task, follow the 6A workflow:

Align → Architect → Atomize → Approve → Automate → Assess

Never skip phases unless explicitly justified.

Core Principles

1. Planning First - Plan before executing
2. Documentation as Truth - Documentation is the single source of truth
3. Glue Coding - Reuse > Connect > Create

The 6A Workflow

1️⃣ Align (对齐)

Goal: Eliminate ambiguity, establish consensus

Required Outputs:

• ALIGNMENT_*.md - Requirements understanding and boundary definition
• CONSENSUS_*.md - Confirmed consensus points

Checklist:

• Analyze existing project context
• Clearly define requirement scope
• Identify assumptions and constraints
• List all ambiguities
• Get user confirmation

Exit Condition: User confirms "Requirements confirmed" or "Aligned"

2️⃣ Architect (架构)

Goal: Design system structure

Required Output:

• DESIGN_*.md - Architecture design document

Design Content:

• Overall architecture diagram (Mermaid)
• Module responsibility division
• Interface and contract definitions
• Data flow
• Error handling strategy

Principles:

• Prioritize reusing existing architecture
• Avoid over-design
• Keep it simple and direct

Exit Condition: User confirms "Design confirmed" or "Designed"

3️⃣ Atomize (原子化)

Goal: Break down into executable atomic tasks

Required Output:

• TASK_*.md - Task breakdown document

Task Definition:

Task-ID: T001
Name: Task name
Input: Input conditions
Output: Output results
Dependencies: [T000]
Estimate: Time estimate
Acceptance: Acceptance criteria

Principles:

• Each task independently verifiable
• Clear dependencies
• Generate dependency graph

Exit Condition: Task list complete and dependencies clear

4️⃣ Approve (批准)

Goal: Freeze task list

Checklist:

• Task completeness verification
• Feasibility assessment
• Testability confirmation
• User final approval

Exit Condition: User confirms "Start execution" or "Approved"

5️⃣ Automate (自动化)

Goal: Execute tasks in order

Execution Loop:

Verify Input → Implement → Test → Update Docs → Mark Complete

Rules:

• Strictly follow dependency order
• Execute one task at a time
• Follow existing code style
• Use environment variables for sensitive info

When Problems Occur: Immediately STOP, report and wait for instructions

6️⃣ Assess (评估)

Goal: Acceptance and delivery

Required Outputs:

• ACCEPTANCE_*.md - Acceptance report
• FINAL_*.md - Final summary
• TODO_*.md - Remaining items

Checklist:

• All requirements met
• All tests pass
• Build successful
• Documentation updated
• No undocumented behavior

Fast Track

Small Tasks (< 10 lines of code)

Execute directly, skip full workflow

Bug Fixes

1. Confirm problem → 2. Locate cause → 3. Minimal fix → 4. Verify

Emergency Fixes

When user explicitly says "urgent", can simplify workflow but must document afterwards

Best Practices

DO

✅ Always start with Align phase for new features ✅ Document all decisions and assumptions ✅ Get explicit user confirmation at each phase ✅ Keep tasks atomic and independently testable ✅ Follow the workflow order strictly

DON'T

❌ Skip phases without justification ❌ Guess user intent ❌ Silently expand scope ❌ Jump to coding without planning ❌ Ignore existing documentation

Integration with Other Practices

• Testing: Follow TDD methodology during Automate phase
• Code Quality: Apply code review standards before marking tasks complete
• Git Workflow: Use proper commit messages and PR process
• Performance: Consider performance implications during Architect phase

Troubleshooting

Workflow Feels Too Heavy

• Use Fast Track for truly small tasks
• Combine phases for minor changes
• Document the simplification decision

User Unclear on Requirements

• Stay in Align phase longer
• Ask clarifying questions
• Provide concrete examples
• Don't proceed until clarity achieved

Tasks Too Large

• Return to Atomize phase
• Break down further
• Ensure each task < 1 day of work

Scope Creep

• Reference CONSENSUS document
• Explicitly call out scope changes
• Get user approval for expansions

Related Documentation

For deeper understanding of specific phases:

• Planning: See references/planning-guide.md
• Architecture: See references/architecture-patterns.md
• Task Breakdown: See references/task-decomposition.md

Remember: The workflow exists to ensure quality and maintainability. Follow it, and your projects will thank you.