Task Execution
Turn an approved task slice into a tactical execution batch before code changes sprawl or checkpoints disappear.
Context
pc-task-execution is the tactical companion to pc-task-breakdown.
It does not replace pc-feature-development, pc-systematic-debugging, or pc-tdd; it governs the batch those skills execute.
See context and anti-pattern notes.
Inputs
I/O contract notes define required inputs and authority.
Process
Step 1: Re-read the Current Slice Before Touching Code
Pick one approved task or one thin vertical slice from the task-list. Restate:
- what lands in this batch
- what is explicitly out of scope
- what boundary must not move
- what proof will show the batch is complete
If the task still reads like a multi-hour blob instead of a sequence of verifiable steps, split it before proceeding.
Step 2: Build the Next Execution Batch
Convert the current slice into a short batch of steps. Each step should usually be:
- 2-5 minutes of work
- independently checkable
- tied to a file, command, or concrete behavior change
For each step, record:
- action
- expected output
- verification method
- stop condition
Do not generate a long speculative script for the whole day. Produce only the next executable batch.
Step 3: Choose the Right Implementation Discipline Per Step
For each batch, route to the right implementation discipline:
- bug or failing behavior first ->
pc-systematic-debugging - new or changed behavior ->
pc-tdd - tested slice ready to code ->
pc-feature-development - structural cleanup with protected behavior ->
pc-refactoring
pc-task-execution is the tactical wrapper around these skills, not a substitute for them.
Step 4: Make Blockers and Stop Conditions Explicit
Name what should pause execution immediately:
- unclear task or reviewer intent
- dependency missing or still blocked
- failing verification that contradicts the current plan
- evidence that the problem belongs upstream in architecture or requirements
If a blocker hits, stop and either:
- clarify the task
- invoke
pc-systematic-debugging - produce a
course-correction-note - return to planning if the batch no longer fits the approved slice
Step 5: Record the Checkpoint
Produce:
- an
execution-batch-planfor the current tactical batch - an
execution-checkpointafter the batch that states what changed, what was verified, what remains open, and whether the next batch is safe to start
The checkpoint should be short, factual, and handoff-friendly.
If the project has opted into execution-state.v1, update it only through legal
lifecycle, phase, and artifact-binding records in the shared
recorded_sequence. Never redefine route obligations in mutable state. A gate
advance is authoritative only when the canonical state validates against the
operator-supplied route digest; a structurally valid snapshot without that pin is
not advancement authority.
Outputs
Produce only declared outputs at their documented quality boundary.
Quality Gate
- The current slice is narrower than the parent
task-listitem and clear enough to execute now - Each batch step has an expected output and verification method
- Stop conditions are explicit
- The selected implementation discipline matches the batch type
- The checkpoint states what changed and what remains unresolved
Distribution
- Public install surface:
skills/.curated - Canonical authoring source:
skills/04-implementation/pc-task-execution/SKILL.md - This package is exported for
npx skills add/updatecompatibility. - Packaging stability:
beta - Capability readiness:
beta - Portability:
portable_with_caveat - Public caveat: Portable as skill guidance; full governance guarantees require the Prodcraft repository contracts and validation checks.