whd4 Plan Writing
Source: obra/superpowers
Overview
This skill provides a framework for breaking down work into clear, actionable tasks with verification criteria.
Task Breakdown Principles
1. Small, Focused Tasks
- Each task should take 2-5 minutes
- One clear outcome per task
- Independently verifiable
2. Clear Verification
- How do you know it's done?
- What can you check/test?
- What's the expected output?
3. Logical Ordering
- Dependencies identified
- Parallel work where possible
- Critical path highlighted
- Phase X: Verification is always LAST
4. Dynamic Naming in Project Root
- Plan files are saved as
{task-slug}.mdin the PROJECT ROOT - Name derived from task (e.g., "add auth" →
auth-feature.md) - NEVER inside
.claude/,docs/, or temp folders
Planning Principles (NOT Templates!)
🔴 NO fixed templates. Each plan is UNIQUE to the task.
Principle 1: Keep It SHORT
| ❌ Wrong | ✅ Right |
|---|---|
| 50 tasks with sub-sub-tasks | 5-10 clear tasks max |
| Every micro-step listed | Only actionable items |
| Verbose descriptions | One-line per task |
Rule: If plan is longer than 1 page, it's too long. Simplify.
Principle 2: Be SPECIFIC, Not Generic
| ❌ Wrong | ✅ Right |
|---|---|
| "Set up project" | "Run npx create-next-app" |
| "Add authentication" | "Install next-auth, create /api/auth/[...nextauth].ts" |
| "Style the UI" | "Add Tailwind classes to Header.tsx" |
Rule: Each task should have a clear, verifiable outcome.
Principle 3: Dynamic Content Based on Project Type
For NEW PROJECT:
- What tech stack? (decide first)
- What's the MVP? (minimal features)
- What's the file structure?
For FEATURE ADDITION:
- Which files are affected?
- What dependencies needed?
- How to verify it works?
For BUG FIX:
- What's the root cause?
- What file/line to change?
- How to test the fix?
Principle 4: Scripts Are Project-Specific
🔴 DO NOT copy-paste script commands. Choose based on project type.
| Project Type | Relevant Scripts |
|---|---|
| Frontend/React | ux_audit.py, accessibility_checker.py |
| Backend/API | api_validator.py, security_scan.py |
| Mobile | mobile_audit.py |
| Database | schema_validator.py |
| Full-stack | Mix of above based on what you touched |
Wrong: Adding all scripts to every plan Right: Only scripts relevant to THIS task
Principle 5: Verification is Simple
| ❌ Wrong | ✅ Right |
|---|---|
| "Verify the component works correctly" | "Run npm run dev, click button, see toast" |
| "Test the API" | "curl localhost:3000/api/users returns 200" |
| "Check styles" | "Open browser, verify dark mode toggle works" |
Plan Structure (Flexible, Not Fixed!)
# [Task Name]
## Goal
One sentence: What are we building/fixing?
## Tasks
- [ ] Task 1: [Specific action] → Verify: [How to check]
- [ ] Task 2: [Specific action] → Verify: [How to check]
- [ ] Task 3: [Specific action] → Verify: [How to check]
## Done When
- [ ] [Main success criteria]
That's it. No phases, no sub-sections unless truly needed. Keep it minimal. Add complexity only when required.
Notes
[Any important considerations]
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## Best Practices (Quick Reference)
1. **Start with goal** - What are we building/fixing?
2. **Max 10 tasks** - If more, break into multiple plans
3. **Each task verifiable** - Clear "done" criteria
4. **Project-specific** - No copy-paste templates
5. **Update as you go** - Mark `[x]` when complete
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## When to Use
- New project from scratch
- Adding a feature
- Fixing a bug (if complex)
- Refactoring multiple files