| name | executing-tasks |
| description | Use when working through any task checklist (not just OpenSpec). Complete one task, verify, mark done, then next. No skipping, no adding, no reordering. |
Executing Tasks
Work through task lists systematically.
Announce: "I'm using executing-tasks to work through this checklist systematically."
Iron Law
ONE TASK AT A TIME - VERIFY BEFORE MOVING ON
Process
Step 1: Identify Current Task
Find the first incomplete task:
- [x] Completed task
- [x] Completed task
- [ ] ← THIS ONE (current)
- [ ] Pending task
Step 2: Announce
Working on: [Task description]
Step 3: Execute
Do EXACTLY what the task says:
- If it says "create file X" → create file X
- If it says "add function Y" → add function Y
- If it says "run command Z" → run command Z
Do NOT:
- Add things the task didn't ask for
- Skip steps you think are unnecessary
- Combine with other tasks
- "Improve" the approach
Step 4: Verify
Run any verification specified in the task.
If no verification specified, at minimum:
- Did I do what the task asked?
- Did I break anything else?
Step 5: Mark Complete
Update the task list: - [ ] → - [x]
Step 6: Report
Completed: [Task description]
Result: [Brief outcome]
Next: [Next task] or "All tasks complete"
Step 7: Repeat
Go to Step 1 for next task.
Handling Blockers
If a task cannot be completed:
BLOCKED: [Task description]
Reason: [Why it can't be done]
Options:
1. [Possible resolution]
2. [Alternative approach]
3. Skip and continue (if independent)
Awaiting guidance.
Do NOT:
- Guess at the solution
- Skip without reporting
- Change the task scope
Task Dependencies
If tasks have dependencies:
- [ ] 1.1 Create database table
- [ ] 1.2 Add RLS policy (depends on 1.1)
- [ ] 2.1 Create frontend component (independent)
- Complete dependencies first
- Independent tasks can be done in any order
- If blocked by dependency, report it
Progress Tracking
Keep a running count:
Progress: 3/10 tasks complete
Current: Task 1.4
Completion
When all tasks are [x]:
All tasks complete: [X/X]
Summary:
- [Category]: [What was done]
- [Category]: [What was done]
Verification:
- [What was verified]
Ready for: [Next step - usually review]
Red Flags - STOP
If you catch yourself:
- Working on multiple tasks at once
- Skipping "obvious" tasks
- Adding unrequested work
- Not verifying before marking complete
STOP. One task. Verify. Mark complete. Next.