ralphi-backlog

name	ralphi-backlog
description	Create or refresh backlog.json for a Ralphi PRD run, keep item and step status in sync with prd.json acceptance criteria, and emit Ralphi backlog progress markers during implementation.
user-invocable	true

Ralphi Backlog

Use this skill when backlog.json is missing, stale, or needs to be updated while working a PRD.

Backlog Contract

backlog.json must stay machine-readable and compact:

{
  "version": 1,
  "sourcePrd": "...",
  "branchName": "...",
  "activeItemId": "BT-001",
  "activeStepId": "ST-001-01",
  "items": [
    {
      "id": "BT-001",
      "storyId": "US-001",
      "title": "Story title",
      "description": "Short summary",
      "status": "pending",
      "notes": "",
      "updatedAt": "2026-03-07T00:00:00.000Z",
      "steps": [
        {
          "id": "ST-001-01",
          "title": "Acceptance criterion text",
          "status": "pending"
        }
      ]
    }
  ]
}

Workflow

1. Read prd.json first when it exists.
2. Create one backlog item per user story.
3. Create one step per acceptance criterion.
4. Preserve completed status and notes when refreshing existing backlog data.
5. Keep activeItemId and activeStepId pointed at the current work item.

Status Rules

• Use pending, in_progress, done, blocked, or disabled.
• Mark the backlog item done only when the related story is complete in prd.json.
• Mark individual steps done as they are verified.
• If a step cannot be finished in the current run, leave it pending or blocked and explain why in notes.
• If a user disables an item, preserve disabled and skip it when choosing the next task.

Progress Markers

Whenever you switch to a backlog item or complete a step, print a single marker line:

<ralphi-backlog item="BT-001" step="ST-001-01" status="in_progress">
<ralphi-backlog item="BT-001" step="ST-001-03" status="done">

These markers drive the live dashboard. Keep them exact and on their own line.