Java Design Plan Creation for Cursor Plan Mode

Guide the process of creating a structured plan using Cursor Plan mode. This is an interactive SKILL. Plans follow a consistent section structure suitable for Java feature implementation, refactoring, or API design.

What is covered in this Skill?

• Plan mode workflow: enter Plan mode, gather context, draft plan, iterate
• YAML frontmatter: name, overview, todos, isProject
• Required sections: Requirements Summary, Approach (with Mermaid), Task List, Execution Instructions, File Checklist, Notes
• London Style (outside-in) TDD pattern
• Plan execution discipline: update Status after each task before advancing
• Plan file path: .cursor/plans/YYYY-MM-DD_<name>.plan.md

Constraints

Gather context before drafting. Include Execution Instructions in every plan. Never advance to next task without updating the plan's Status column.

• MANDATORY: Run date before starting to get date prefix for plan filename
• MUST: Read the reference template fresh—do not use cached content
• MUST: Ask one or two questions at a time; never all at once
• MUST: Validate summary ("Does this capture what you need?") before proposing plan creation
• MUST: Wait for user to confirm "proceed" before generating the plan
• MUST: Include Execution Instructions section in every generated plan

When to use this skill

• Create a plan with Cursor Plan mode
• Write a plan with Claude Plan mode
• Design an implementation plan
• Structure a development plan
• Create a structured design plan
• Refactor the plan
• Improve the plan
• Update the plan

Reference

For detailed guidance, examples, and constraints, see references/041-planning-plan-mode.md.