Create Plan Goal
Turn a user prompt into a single, actionable plan delivered in the final assistant message.
Minimal workflow
Throughout the entire workflow, operate in read-only mode. Do not write or update files.
Scan context quickly
Read README.md and any obvious docs (docs/, CONTRIBUTING.md, ARCHITECTURE.md). Skim relevant files (the ones most likely touched). Identify constraints (language, frameworks, CI/test commands, deployment shape).
Ask follow-ups only if blocking
Ask at most 1–2 questions. Only ask if you cannot responsibly plan without the answer; prefer multiple-choice. If unsure but not blocked, make a reasonable assumption and proceed.
Create a plan using the template below
Start with 1 short paragraph describing the intent and approach. Clearly call out what is in scope and what is not in scope in short. Then provide a small checklist of action items (default 6–10 items). Each checklist item should be a concrete action and, when helpful, mention files/commands. Make items atomic and ordered: discovery → changes → tests → rollout. Verb-first: "Add…", "Refactor…", "Verify…", "Ship…". Include at least one item for tests/validation and one for edge cases/risk when applicable. If there are unknowns, include a tiny Open questions section (max 3).
Do not preface the plan with meta explanations; output only the plan as per template
Plan template (follow exactly)
Plan
<1–3 sentences: what we're doing, why, and the high-level approach.>
Scope
- In:
- Out:
Action items
[ ]
Open questions
Checklist item guidance
Good checklist items:
Point to likely files/modules: src/..., app/..., services/... Name concrete validation: "Run npm test", "Add unit tests for X" Include safe rollout when relevant: feature flag, migration plan, rollback note
Avoid:
Vague steps ("handle backend", "do auth") Too many micro-steps Writing code snippets (keep the plan implementation-agnostic)