Executing Plans

Overview

Load plan, review critically, execute tasks in batches, report for review between batches.

Core principle: Batch execution with checkpoints for architect review.

The Process

Step 1: Load and Review Plan

1. Read plan file
2. Review critically - identify any questions or concerns about the plan
3. If concerns: Raise them with your human partner before starting
4. If no concerns: Get the task from taskmaster

Step 2: Execute Sub-Task

1. Update status to in-progress
2. Follow the plan exactly
3. Run verifications as specified; use testing-process skill

Step 3: Report

• Show what was implemented
• Show verification output
• Prompt user for code-review; if user responds 'yes' - run zen mcp code-review with gemini-3-pro
• Based on user and code-review feedback: apply changes if needed and finalize the sub-task
• When completed mark as done

Step 4: Continue

• Execute next sub-task
• Repeat until all sub-tasks are completed

Step 5: Complete Development

After all sub-tasks complete and verified:

• Use testing-process skill to verify and validate functionality
• Use documentation-process skill to create or update any relevant docs

When to Stop and Ask for Help

STOP executing immediately when:

• Hit a blocker mid-batch (missing dependency, test fails, instruction unclear)
• Plan has critical gaps preventing starting
• You don't understand an instruction
• Verification fails repeatedly

IMPORTANT! Always ask for clarification rather than guessing.

When to Revisit Earlier Steps

Return to Review (Step 1) when:

• Partner updates the plan based on your feedback
• Fundamental approach needs rethinking

IMPORTANT! Don't force through blockers - stop and ask.

Remember

• Review plan critically first
• Follow plan steps exactly
• Don't skip verifications
• Use skills when the plan says to do so
• Between batches: just report and wait
• Stop when blocked, don't guess