sequential-thinking

name	sequential-thinking
description	Dynamic, reflective problem-solving through iterative thought chains with revision and branching. For complex planning, multi-step analysis, hypothesis verification, or problems where scope emerges during analysis.

Sequential Thinking

Structured approach: breaks complex problems into iterative thought steps with revision and course correction.

When to Use

• Complex problems → manageable steps
• Planning requiring iterative refinement
• Analysis needing mid-stream correction
• Scope emerges during analysis
• Multi-step solutions needing cross-step context
• Hypothesis generation + verification

Methodology

1. Initial estimation — estimate thoughts needed, stay flexible
2. Iterative analysis — work sequentially, build context
3. Revision — question/revise previous thoughts as understanding deepens
4. Branch exploration — explore alternatives when needed
5. Hypothesis cycle — generate, verify against chain, repeat
6. Convergence — continue until satisfactory solution

Thought Structure

Each thought includes:

• thought: current step content
• thoughtNumber: position (1, 2, 3...)
• totalThoughts: estimate (adjustable)
• nextThoughtNeeded: boolean

Optional: isRevision, revisesThought, branchFromThought, branchId, needsMoreThoughts.

Process

Starting: estimate, begin thought 1 (context + approach), conservative totalThoughts.

During: build on previous, filter irrelevant info, express uncertainty, revise freely, adjust totalThoughts.

Revision:

{
  "thought": "On reflection, thought 3's assumption about X was incorrect because Y...",
  "thoughtNumber": 6,
  "totalThoughts": 10,
  "isRevision": true,
  "revisesThought": 3,
  "nextThoughtNeeded": true
}

Hypothesis cycle: generate → verify against chain → fails? revise/branch → repeat until validated.

Completion: nextThoughtNeeded: false only when satisfied. Single clear answer addressing original problem.

Context Management

• Reference previous thoughts by number
• Track valid vs revised thoughts
• Ignore irrelevant details per step
• Complex thought → break into multiple, increase totalThoughts

Output Format

Thought [N/Total]: [content]
[If revision: "Revises thought X because..."]
[If branch: "Branching from thought X to explore..."]

Solution: [Clear, direct answer]

Principles

• Flexibility > rigidity
• Revision = strength
• Hypothesis-driven
• Context-aware across thoughts
• Clarity at completion