# Prd To Plan

> Turn a PRD into a multi-phase implementation plan using tracer-bullet vertical slices, saved as a local Markdown file in ./docs/. Use when user wants to break down a PRD, create an implementation plan, plan phases from a PRD, or mentions "tracer bullets".

- Skill: `tahajemmali/prd-to-plan` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add tahajemmali/prd-to-plan`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/tahajemmali/prd-to-plan/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Product & Planning
- Author: tahajemmali (https://skillmd.com/u/tahajemmali)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/tahajemmali/prd-to-plan

---


# PRD to Plan

Break a PRD into a phased implementation plan using vertical slices (tracer bullets). Output is a Markdown file in `./docs/<feature-name>/plan.md`.

## Process

### 1. Confirm the PRD is in context

The PRD should already be in the conversation. If it isn't, ask the user to paste it or point you to the file.

### 2. Explore the codebase

If you have not already explored the codebase, do so to understand the current architecture, existing patterns, and integration layers.

### 3. Identify durable architectural decisions

Before slicing, identify high-level decisions that are unlikely to change throughout implementation:

- Route structures / URL patterns
- Database schema shape
- Key data models
- Authentication / authorization approach
- Third-party service boundaries

These go in the plan header so every phase can reference them.

### 4. Draft vertical slices

Break the PRD into **tracer bullet** phases. Each phase is a thin vertical slice that cuts through ALL integration layers end-to-end, NOT a horizontal slice of one layer.

<vertical-slice-rules>
- Each slice delivers a narrow but COMPLETE path through every layer (schema, API, UI, tests)
- A completed slice is demoable or verifiable on its own
- Prefer many thin slices over few thick ones
- Do NOT include specific file names, function names, or implementation details that are likely to change as later phases are built
- DO include durable decisions: route paths, schema shapes, data model names
</vertical-slice-rules>

### 5. Quiz the user

Present the proposed breakdown as a numbered list. For each phase show:

- **Title**: short descriptive name
- **User stories covered**: which user stories from the PRD this addresses

Ask the user:

- Does the granularity feel right? (too coarse / too fine)
- Should any phases be merged or split further?

Iterate until the user approves the breakdown.

**When invoked by afk (no user interaction):** Skip the quiz. Use your best judgment on granularity and write the plan directly.

### 6. Write the plan file

Create `./docs/<feature-name>/` if it doesn't exist. Write the plan as a Markdown file named after the feature (e.g. `./docs/meta-direct-whatsapp/plan.md`). Use the template below.

## Task formatting (important for execution)

Each phase's **"What to build"** section controls how ralph executes the phase:

- **Numbered list** (1., 2., 3.) — each item becomes a separate implementation task with its own commit. This is the **preferred format** for phases with multiple deliverables.
- **Bullet list** (-, *) — each bullet becomes a separate task.
- **Single paragraph** — the entire phase runs as one task.

Use numbered items whenever a phase has more than one logical deliverable. This gives ralph focused, atomic implementation sessions and granular commit history.

<plan-template>
# Plan: <Feature Name>

> Source PRD: <relative path to PRD.md, e.g. docs/feature/PRD.md>

## Architectural decisions

Durable decisions that apply across all phases:

- **Routes**: ...
- **Schema**: ...
- **Key models**: ...
- (add/remove sections as appropriate)

---

## Phase 1: <Title>

**User stories**: <comma-separated numbers from PRD>

### What to build

1. First task — describe the first deliverable for this slice
2. Second task — describe the next deliverable
3. Third task — describe the next deliverable

### Acceptance criteria

- [ ] Criterion 1
- [ ] Criterion 2
- [ ] Criterion 3

---

## Phase 2: <Title>

**User stories**: <comma-separated numbers from PRD>

### What to build

1. First task — ...
2. Second task — ...

### Acceptance criteria

- [ ] ...

<!-- Repeat for each phase -->
</plan-template>