Create a concise plan. Use when a user explicitly asks for a plan related to a coding task.
Coding
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Updated Jan 14, 2026, 01:58 PM
Why Use This
This skill transforms complex user prompts into single, actionable plans for coding tasks while operating in read-only mode. It ensures technical clarity by scanning repository context and identifying constraints to produce structured checklists.
Use Cases
Generating project roadmaps by scanning README files and architecture documentation.
Creating ordered checklists for implementation tasks including tests and validation steps.
Establishing project boundaries by clearly defining what is in and out of scope for a task.
---
name: create-plan
description: Create a concise plan. Use when a user explicitly asks for a plan related to a coding task.
metadata:
short-description: Create a plan
---
# Create Plan
## Goal
Turn a user prompt into a **single, actionable plan** delivered in the final assistant message.
## Minimal workflow
Throughout the entire workflow, operate in read-only mode. Do not write or update files.
1. **Scan context quickly**
- Read `README.md` and any obvious docs (`docs/`, `CONTRIBUTING.md`, `ARCHITECTURE.md`).
- Skim relevant files (the ones most likely touched).
- Identify constraints (language, frameworks, CI/test commands, deployment shape).
2. **Ask follow-ups only if blocking**
- Ask **at most 1–2 questions**.
- Only ask if you cannot responsibly plan without the answer; prefer multiple-choice.
- If unsure but not blocked, make a reasonable assumption and proceed.
3. **Create a plan using the template below**
- Start with **1 short paragraph** describing the intent and approach.
- Clearly call out what is **in scope** and what is **not in scope** in short.
- Then provide a **small checklist** of action items (default 6–10 items).
- Each checklist item should be a concrete action and, when helpful, mention files/commands.
- **Make items atomic and ordered**: discovery → changes → tests → rollout.
- **Verb-first**: “Add…”, “Refactor…”, “Verify…”, “Ship…”.
- Include at least one item for **tests/validation** and one for **edge cases/risk** when applicable.
- If there are unknowns, include a tiny **Open questions** section (max 3).
4. **Do not preface the plan with meta explanations; output only the plan as per template**
## Plan template (follow exactly)
```markdown
# Plan
<1–3 sentences: what we’re doing, why, and the high-level approach.>
## Scope
- In:
- Out:
## Action items
[ ] <Step 1>
[ ] <Step 2>
[ ] <Step 3>
[ ] <Step 4>
[ ] <Step 5>
[ ] <Step 6>
## Open questions
- <Question 1>
- <Question 2>
- <Question 3>
```
## Checklist item guidance
Good checklist items:
- Point to likely files/modules: src/..., app/..., services/...
- Name concrete validation: “Run npm test”, “Add unit tests for X”
- Include safe rollout when relevant: feature flag, migration plan, rollback note
Avoid:
- Vague steps (“handle backend”, “do auth”)
- Too many micro-steps
- Writing code snippets (keep the plan implementation-agnostic)
