Executing Plans

Overview

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

Core principle: Batch execution with checkpoints for review and feedback.

When to Use

• Partner provides a complete implementation plan
• Plan has detailed tasks with verification steps
• Work benefits from checkpoint reviews
• Executing work created by writing-plans skill

The Process

Step 1: Load and Review Plan

1. Read the plan file (typically in docs/plans/)
2. Review critically - identify any questions or concerns
3. Check for:
   • Missing information or unclear steps
   • Potential blockers or dependencies
   • Inconsistencies or gaps in approach
4. If concerns: Raise them with your partner before starting
5. If no concerns: Create todo list and proceed

Step 2: Execute Batch

Default: First 3 tasks

For each task in the batch:

1. Mark task as in_progress in todo list
2. Follow each step exactly (plans have bite-sized steps)
3. Run all verification steps as specified
4. Confirm tests pass and changes work
5. Mark task as completed

Follow the plan precisely:

• Execute steps in order
• Run commands as specified
• Verify expected output
• Don't skip verification steps
• Don't deviate from plan unless blocked

Step 3: Report

When batch complete:

• Summarize what was implemented
• Show verification output (test results, command output)
• Highlight any issues or deviations
• Say: "Ready for feedback."

Keep reports concise but complete:

• Which tasks were completed
• Key changes made
• Verification results
• Any concerns or questions

Step 4: Continue

Based on feedback:

• Apply requested changes if needed
• Execute next batch (next 3 tasks)
• Repeat until all tasks complete

Step 5: Complete Development

After all tasks complete and verified:

• Run full test suite
• Verify all changes work together
• Review what was built
• Consider next steps (PR, deployment, etc.)

When to Stop and Ask

STOP executing immediately when:

• Hit a blocker mid-batch (missing dependency, test fails unexpectedly)
• Instructions are unclear or ambiguous
• Verification fails repeatedly
• Discover plan has critical gaps
• Approach seems incorrect

Ask for clarification rather than guessing.

Don't try to work around blockers - stop and get guidance.

When to Revisit Earlier Steps

Return to Review (Step 1) when:

• Partner updates the plan based on feedback
• Fundamental approach needs rethinking
• New information changes requirements

Don't force through blockers - stop and ask.

Best Practices

Be systematic:

• Follow plan order unless advised otherwise
• Complete one task fully before starting next
• Don't skip ahead or batch tasks differently

Be thorough:

• Run all verification steps
• Check for unexpected side effects
• Verify changes work as intended

Be communicative:

• Report clearly at checkpoints
• Flag concerns early
• Ask when uncertain

Be precise:

• Follow instructions exactly
• Use exact file paths from plan
• Run exact commands specified

Example Execution

Batch 1 Report

Completed tasks 1-3:

Task 1: Email Validation
- Created src/validators/email.py
- Created tests/validators/test_email.py
- Tests pass: 2/2 ✓

Task 2: User Model Update
- Modified src/models/user.py
- Added email field validation
- Tests pass: 5/5 ✓

Task 3: API Endpoint
- Created src/api/auth.py
- Integrated email validation
- Tests pass: 3/3 ✓

All verifications passed. Ready for feedback.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Don't deviate from the plan without approval
• Don't skip verification steps to save time
• Don't batch more tasks than specified
• Don't continue when blocked
• Don't assume what the plan meant - ask

Quick Reference

Final Rule

Follow the plan exactly.
Stop when blocked or uncertain.
Report at checkpoints.

Trust the plan, but verify everything.