# Writing Plans

> Use when you have a spec or requirements for a multi-step task, before touching code

- Skill: `lidge-jun/writing-plans` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add lidge-jun/writing-plans`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/lidge-jun/writing-plans/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Productivity
- Author: lidge-jun (https://skillmd.com/u/lidge-jun)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/lidge-jun/writing-plans

---


# Writing Plans

## Goal

Write bite-sized, zero-context implementation plans. Assume the reader is a skilled developer with no knowledge of this codebase or problem domain.

- Run in a dedicated worktree (created by brainstorming skill)
- Save to `docs/plans/YYYY-MM-DD-<feature-name>.md`
- Principles: DRY, YAGNI, TDD, frequent commits

## 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

```markdown
# [Feature Name] Implementation Plan

> **For Claude:** Use superpowers:executing-plans to implement this plan task-by-task.

**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"
```
````

## Checklist
- Exact file paths in every step
- Complete code (not "add validation")
- Exact commands with expected output
- Reference relevant skills with @ syntax

## Execution Handoff

After saving the plan, offer execution choice:

**"Plan saved to `docs/plans/<filename>.md`. Two execution options:**

**1. Subagent-Driven (this session)** — fresh subagent per task, review between tasks. Uses superpowers:subagent-driven-development.

**2. Parallel Session (separate)** — new session in worktree with superpowers:executing-plans, batch execution with checkpoints.

**Which approach?"**