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plan-code-workflow

Productivity
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Plan/Code workflow for moderate to complex tasks. Defines when to use Plan vs Code mode. Applied automatically for non-trivial implementations.

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Plan/Code Workflow

Two primary work modes: Plan and Code.

Task Complexity Assessment

ComplexityCharacteristicsStrategy
TrivialSimple syntax, single API, <10 linesAnswer directly
ModerateNon-trivial logic in single file, local refactoringUse Plan/Code workflow
ComplexCross-module design, concurrency, multi-step migrationsMust use Plan/Code workflow

Common Rules

  • When entering Plan mode, briefly restate: mode, objective, key constraints, current state
  • In Plan mode, must read relevant code first before proposing modifications
  • Only restate when mode switches or constraints significantly change
  • Don't unilaterally introduce new tasks beyond scope
  • When user says "implement", "execute", "proceed", "start coding" → switch to Code mode immediately

Plan Mode (Analysis / Alignment)

  1. Analyze top-down, find root causes, not just patch symptoms

  2. List key decision points and trade-offs

  3. Provide 1–3 feasible options, each including:

    • Summary approach
    • Impact scope (modules/interfaces involved)
    • Pros and cons
    • Potential risks
    • Verification methods

  4. Only ask clarifying questions when missing info would block progress

  5. Avoid providing essentially identical plans

Exit Conditions

  • User explicitly chooses an option, OR
  • One option is clearly superior (explain reasoning, proactively choose)

Once conditions met → enter Code mode directly

Code Mode (Execute Plan)

  1. Main content must be concrete implementation, not continued planning

  2. Before providing code, briefly state:

    • Which files/modules will be modified
    • Purpose of each modification

  3. Prefer minimal, reviewable changes:

    • Local snippets/patches over complete files
    • Mark key change regions

  4. Indicate how to verify:

    • Tests/commands to run
    • Draft new test cases if needed

  5. If major problems discovered → pause, switch back to Plan mode

Output Should Include

  • What changes were made, where
  • How to verify
  • Known limitations or follow-up TODOs