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write-todos

Productivity
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Write clear Solo todos that workers can execute without losing architectural intent. Use when asked to "create todos", "write todos", "break into tasks", "plan todos", or create work items from a plan. Ensures each todo has outcomes, examples, constraints, and verification criteria.

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How to use this skill

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  3. Review the proposed files and risks before you approve installation.
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I want to install this Agent Skill for this project in Codex.

Source SKILL.md: https://github.com/HazAT/pi-config/blob/HEAD/skills/write-todos/SKILL.md

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Write Solo Todos

Write Solo todos that a worker can execute from the todo body, plan scratchpad, and referenced code. Every todo must preserve the architectural intent from the plan.

Todo Body Template

**Plan scratchpad:** [name/id]
**Scout scratchpad:** [name/id if relevant]
**Depends on:** [todo ids or "none"]

## What
[One paragraph: what this todo produces and why]

## Constraints
- [Architectural constraints]
- [Libraries/patterns to use]
- [Anti-patterns to avoid]

## Files
- `path/to/file` — [what changes]

## References
- `path/to/example.ts:10-45` — [pattern to follow]

## Expected Shape
```typescript
// Short code sketch with imports and structure when no existing reference is enough

Acceptance Criteria

  • [Specific, verifiable criterion]
  • [Command/test/check passes]

## Rules

### Make Constraints Explicit

Repeat every relevant plan decision in the todo body. Do not rely on the worker reading between the lines.

| Weak | Strong |
|---|---|
| "Build the service" | "Build an Effect service using `Context.Tag` and `Layer`; do not use a plain class singleton." |
| "Add WebSocket support" | "Use the `ws` package; do not introduce Socket.IO." |
| "Create the component" | "Use React 19 and Tailwind v4 utilities; no CSS modules." |

### Include a Code Example or Existing Reference

Every todo needs one of:

1. An inline code sketch showing imports, types, and structure.
2. A precise existing file reference with line range and what to copy.

### Name Anti-Patterns

If a wrong approach looks plausible, name it:

```markdown
## Constraints
- Use the existing repository abstraction in `src/db/repository.ts`.
- Do not add direct SQL calls in route handlers.
- Do not create a second cache layer.

Keep Todos Focused

One todo should fit one worker session and one commit. Split work when a todo touches unrelated behavior, has more than a few files, or needs separate verification.

Make Acceptance Criteria Verifiable

Use commands, file checks, API responses, screenshots, or exact behavior.

WeakStrong
"Code is clean""npm run typecheck passes"
"Works correctly""Submitting the form shows the success toast and creates one network request"
"Follows conventions""Imports come from effect; no new Service() appears"

Creating Todos

Use todo_create. Tag every todo with the plan tag.

Before creating each todo, verify:

  • Plan scratchpad is referenced.
  • Todo is independently implementable.
  • Constraints and anti-patterns are explicit.
  • Code example or exact reference is present.
  • Dependencies are listed.
  • Acceptance criteria are objective.
  • The todo is small enough for one worker and one commit.