# Tree Of Thought

> Systematic Tree of Thought reasoning for complex problem decomposition. This skill should be used when the user asks for "tree of thought", "systematic reasoning", "structured analysis", "multi-path evaluation", or wants to decompose a complex problem by generating and evaluating multiple solution paths before selecting the best approach. Applies four-phase reasoning: decomposition, generation, evaluation, and synthesis.

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

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# Tree of Thought Analysis

Apply Tree of Thought reasoning to the user's query through four phases.

## Query

The problem the user just posed. If the request named no problem outright, take the most relevant thread from the recent conversation as the query, and say which one you took before starting Phase 1.

## Phase 1: Decomposition

Break the query into core components with dependencies.

1. Identify a small set of fundamental components.
2. For each: describe what it involves, why it has its position in the sequence, and what it depends on.
3. Map dependencies between components (which must resolve before others can start).

## Phase 2: Solution Generation

For each component, generate these distinct approaches:

- **A — Direct/Conventional**: straightforward, proven, minimal complexity.
- **B — Creative/Unconventional**: novel angle, handles edge cases, more flexible.
- **C — Systematic/Comprehensive**: thorough coverage, well-documented, maintainable.

Assign each a viability score (0.0-1.0) with brief rationale.

## Phase 3: Evaluation & Selection

Score each approach against weighted criteria:

| Criterion       | Weight |
|-----------------|--------|
| Feasibility     | 40%    |
| Effectiveness   | 35%    |
| Risk (lower=better) | 25% |

Present scores in a comparison table per component. Select the best approach for each with a one-line rationale.

## Phase 4: Synthesis

1. Integrate selected approaches into a coherent solution path with specific implementation steps per component.
2. Surface key insights: patterns recognized, trade-offs made, unexpected findings.
3. Assess overall confidence (High/Medium/Low with percentage) noting strongest elements and areas of uncertainty.
4. Note a couple of alternative paths worth considering if the primary path encounters issues.

## Summary

Conclude with:

- **Recommended Solution**: one-paragraph synthesis.
- **Next Steps**: a few immediate actions.
- **Success Metrics**: how to validate the solution works.