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 the feature's tasks.md file to get the task list and current progress
2. Read the linked design.md and implementation.md for full context
3. Identify the next pending task (one whose dependencies are all done)
4. Review critically — identify any questions or concerns about the plan
5. If concerns: Raise them with your human partner before starting

Step 2: Execute Sub-Task

1. Update tasks.md: set the task's status to in-progress
2. Follow the plan exactly
3. Check off subtasks (- [x]) in tasks.md as you complete them
4. 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, update tasks.md: set the task's status to done

Step 4: Continue

• Move to the next pending task in tasks.md
• Repeat until all tasks are completed

Step 5: Complete Development

After all tasks complete and verified:

• Use testing-process skill to verify and validate functionality
• Use documentation-process skill to create or update any relevant docs
• Update the feature status in tasks.md header to done

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