Planning
Create detailed technical implementation plans through research, codebase analysis, solution design, and comprehensive documentation.
Default (No Arguments)
If invoked with a task description, proceed with planning workflow. If invoked WITHOUT arguments or with unclear intent, use AskUserQuestion to present available operations:
| Operation | Description |
|---|---|
(default) |
Create implementation plan for a task |
archive |
Write journal entry & archive plans |
red-team |
Adversarial plan review |
validate |
Critical questions interview |
Present as options via AskUserQuestion with header "Planning Operation", question "What would you like to do?".
Workflow Modes
Default: --auto (analyze task complexity and auto-pick mode).
| Flag | Mode | Research | Red Team | Validation | Cook Flag |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
--auto |
Auto-detect | Follows mode | Follows mode | Follows mode | Follows mode |
--fast |
Fast | Skip | Skip | Skip | --auto |
--hard |
Hard | 2 researchers | Yes | Optional | (none) |
--parallel |
Parallel | 2 researchers | Yes | Optional | --parallel |
--two |
Two approaches | 2+ researchers | After selection | After selection | (none) |
Add --no-tasks to skip task hydration in any mode.
Load: references/workflow-modes.md for auto-detection logic, per-mode workflows, context reminders.
When to Use
- Planning new feature implementations
- Architecting system designs
- Evaluating technical approaches
- Creating implementation roadmaps
- Breaking down complex requirements
Core Responsibilities & Rules
Always honoring YAGNI, KISS, and DRY principles. Be honest, be brutal, straight to the point, and be concise.
1. Research & Analysis
Load: references/research-phase.md
Skip if: Fast mode or provided with researcher reports
2. Codebase Understanding
Load: references/codebase-understanding.md
Skip if: Provided with scout reports
3. Solution Design
Load: references/solution-design.md
4. Plan Creation & Organization
Load: references/plan-organization.md
5. Task Breakdown & Output Standards
Load: references/output-standards.md
Workflow Process
- Pre-Creation Check → Check Plan Context for active/suggested/none
- Mode Detection → Auto-detect or use explicit flag (see
workflow-modes.md) - Research Phase → Spawn researchers (skip in fast mode)
- Codebase Analysis → Read docs, scout if needed
- Plan Documentation → Write comprehensive plan via planner subagent
- Red Team Review → Use
Skilltool:plan:red-team {plan-path}(hard/parallel/two modes) - Post-Plan Validation → Use
Skilltool:plan:validate {plan-path}(hard/parallel/two modes) - Hydrate Tasks → Create Claude Tasks from phases (default on,
--no-tasksto skip) - Context Reminder → Output cook command with absolute path (MANDATORY)
Output Requirements
- DO NOT implement code - only create plans
- Respond with plan file path and summary
- Ensure self-contained plans with necessary context
- Include code snippets/pseudocode when clarifying
- Fully respect the
./docs/development-rules.mdfile
Task Management
Plan files = persistent. Tasks = session-scoped. Hydration bridges the gap.
Default: Auto-hydrate tasks after plan files are written. Skip with --no-tasks.
3-Task Rule: <3 phases → skip task creation.
Load: references/task-management.md for hydration pattern, TaskCreate patterns, cook handoff protocol.
Hydration Workflow
- Write plan.md + phase files (persistent layer)
- TaskCreate per phase with
addBlockedBychain - TaskCreate for critical/high-risk steps within phases
- Metadata: phase, priority, effort, planDir, phaseFile
- Cook picks up via TaskList (same session) or re-hydrates (new session)
Active Plan State
Check ## Plan Context injected by hooks:
- "Plan: {path}" → Active plan. Ask "Continue? [Y/n]"
- "Suggested: {path}" → Branch hint only. Ask if activate or create new.
- "Plan: none" → Create new using
Plan dir:from## Naming
After creating plan: node .claude/scripts/set-active-plan.cjs {plan-dir}
Reports: Active plans → plan-specific path. Suggested → default path.
Important
DO NOT create plans or reports in USER directory. ALWAYS create plans or reports in CURRENT WORKING PROJECT DIRECTORY.
Subcommands
| Subcommand | Reference | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
/ck:plan archive |
references/archive-workflow.md |
Archive plans + write journal entries |
/ck:plan red-team |
references/red-team-workflow.md |
Adversarial plan review with hostile reviewers |
/ck:plan validate |
references/validate-workflow.md |
Validate plan with critical questions interview |
Quality Standards
- Thorough and specific, consider long-term maintainability
- Research thoroughly when uncertain
- Address security and performance concerns
- Detailed enough for junior developers
- Validate against existing codebase patterns
Remember: Plan quality determines implementation success. Be comprehensive and consider all solution aspects.