Plan Driven Workflow

Plan-Driven Workflow

Instructions

Always follow the instructions in plan.md when this workflow is activated.

Activation

When the user says "go":

1. Find the next unmarked test in plan.md
2. Implement that test
3. Implement only enough code to make that test pass

Workflow Steps

1. Create plan.md:

   • Before starting development, create a plan.md file outlining tests or tasks to implement.
   • Each test/task should be clearly described and unmarked (not yet completed).

2. Read plan.md

   • Locate the plan file in the project
   • Identify the next unmarked/incomplete test or task

3. Implement the test

   • Write the test exactly as specified in plan.md
   • Follow TDD principles (Red phase)
   • Run the test to confirm it fails

4. Implement minimum code

   • Write only enough code to make the test pass
   • Follow the simplest solution that could work
   • Run the test to confirm it passes (Green phase)

5. Mark as complete

   • Update plan.md to mark the test as complete
   • Consider if refactoring is needed

6. Wait for next "go"

   • Do not proceed to the next test automatically
   • Wait for user to say "go" again

Plan File Format

The plan.md file typically contains:

• Unmarked tests (not yet implemented)
• Marked tests (completed)
• Test descriptions or specifications
• Acceptance criteria

Key Principles

• One test at a time: Only implement one test per "go" command
• Minimum implementation: Write the smallest amount of code to pass
• Wait for instruction: Do not auto-advance to the next test
• Follow TDD: Always maintain Red → Green → Refactor discipline
• Update plan: Mark tests as complete in plan.md

Integration with TDD

This workflow enforces strict TDD discipline by:

• Ensuring tests are written before code
• Limiting scope to one test at a time
• Maintaining explicit user control over progress
• Documenting progress in plan.md

Example Interaction

User: "Please write the plan.md for adding a calculator feature."

Assistant:

1. Creates plan.md with description of the feature and tests:

# Calculator

## Feature description

create a simple calculator with basic operations: add, subtract, multiply, divide.

## Tests
- [ ] Test that Add(2, 3) returns 5
- [ ] Test that Subtract(5, 3) returns 2
- [ ] Test that Multiply(2, 3) returns 6
- [ ] Test that Divide(6, 3) returns 2

User: "go"

Assistant:

1. Reads plan.md
2. Finds: "[ ] Test that Add(2, 3) returns 5"
3. Writes the test
4. Runs test (Red)
5. Implements Add function
6. Runs test (Green)
7. Updates plan.md: "[x] Test that Add(2, 3) returns 5"
8. Waits for next "go"

Benefits

• Explicit control: User controls pace of development
• Clear progress: Plan file shows what's done and what's next
• Prevents over-implementation: Can't skip ahead
• Enforces TDD: Each step follows proper cycle
• Accountability: Clear record of completed work