Executing Plans

Overview

Execute an existing plan task-by-task with strong clarity, minimal change, and verification. The plan is the source of truth; do not improvise or refactor beyond it without asking.

Quick Start

• Announce: "I'm using the executing-plans skill to run the plan."
• Locate plan: Use the provided file path or inline plan text; ask if missing.
• Confirm start: Ask which task to begin with if not explicit.

Execution Workflow

Pre-flight

• Read the target plan section.
• Identify any unclear items (missing files, ambiguous commands, unclear intent).
• Ask a single, precise question if anything is unclear. Do not guess.

Task Loop (for each Task N)

• Restate the step goal in plain language.
• Open/inspect only the files listed in the task.
• Follow the plan steps in order (test → run → implement → run → checklist).
• Do not commit. If the plan includes commit steps, skip them and note the skip.
• Use minimal changes to satisfy the step; avoid refactors unless explicitly required.
• If a new file or modification seems necessary but not listed, ask first.

Ambiguity Rule

• Ask whenever something is unclear, regardless of the step.
• Ask one question at a time with concrete options when possible.

Minimal-Change Bias

• Preserve existing style, structure, and formatting.
• Touch only the files listed in the task.
• Avoid reformatting or cleanup unless the plan says so.

Readability/Style Checklist (after each task or file edit)

• Naming: Clear, explicit names; no ambiguity.
• Structure: Minimal and localized; no unnecessary nesting or indirection.
• Readability: Intent is obvious to a new reader.
• Errors: Failure modes are explicit; no silent failure unless intended.
• Consistency: Matches existing patterns in the file.
• Docs/Comments: Add only if intent is not obvious from code.

If the checklist suggests changes beyond the plan, ask before doing them.

Verification and Failures

• Run the exact commands specified in the plan when possible.
• Do not claim completion without verification.
• If tests fail or behavior is unexpected, switch to the systematic-debugging skill (if available).
• If verification is blocked (permissions or environment), explain and ask for next steps.

Reporting and Progress

• After each task: summarize changes with file paths and tests run (plus results).
• Ask to proceed to the next task.