# Writing Plans

> Create comprehensive implementation plans with bite-sized tasks. Use when you have requirements before touching code.

- Skill: `itseffi/writing-plans` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add itseffi/writing-plans`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/itseffi/writing-plans/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: itseffi (https://skillmd.com/u/itseffi)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/itseffi/writing-plans

---


# Writing Plans

Use when you have requirements for a multi-step task, before touching code.

## Overview

Write comprehensive implementation plans assuming the reader has zero context. Document everything: which files to touch, code snippets, testing steps, verification commands. Break into bite-sized tasks.

## Bite-Sized Task Granularity

Each step is one action (2-5 minutes):
- "Write the failing test" - step
- "Run it to make sure it fails" - step
- "Implement the minimal code to make the test pass" - step
- "Run the tests and make sure they pass" - step
- "Commit" - step

## Plan Document Header

Every plan should start with:

```markdown
# [Feature Name] Implementation Plan

**Goal:** [One sentence describing what this builds]

**Architecture:** [2-3 sentences about approach]

**Tech Stack:** [Key technologies/libraries]

---
```

## Task Structure

```markdown
### Task N: [Component Name]

**Files:**
- Create: `exact/path/to/file.py`
- Modify: `exact/path/to/existing.py:123-145`
- Test: `tests/exact/path/to/test.py`

**Step 1: Write the failing test**

```python
def test_specific_behavior():
    result = function(input)
    assert result == expected
```

**Step 2: Run test to verify it fails**

Run: `pytest tests/path/test.py::test_name -v`
Expected: FAIL with "function not defined"

**Step 3: Write minimal implementation**

```python
def function(input):
    return expected
```

**Step 4: Run test to verify it passes**

Run: `pytest tests/path/test.py::test_name -v`
Expected: PASS

**Step 5: Commit**

```bash
git add tests/path/test.py src/path/file.py
git commit -m "feat: add specific feature"
```
```

## Remember

- Exact file paths always
- Complete code in plan (not "add validation")
- Exact commands with expected output
- DRY, YAGNI, TDD, frequent commits

## When to Use

Use this skill when the task directly matches the workflow described above.

## When Not to Use

Do not use this skill when the request is unrelated, low-stakes, or better handled by a simpler direct response.