| name | sequential-thinking |
| description | Sequential thinking and structured problem solving. Break down complex problems into steps with revision and branching capabilities. Use for multi-step analysis, planning, and hypothesis verification. |
| version | 1.1.0 |
| model | sonnet |
| invoked_by | both |
| user_invocable | true |
| tools | ["Read","Write","Bash"] |
| best_practices | ["Start with initial estimate of needed steps","Revise and branch as needed","Generate and verify hypotheses"] |
| error_handling | graceful |
| streaming | supported |
| verified | true |
| lastVerifiedAt | "2026-02-22T00:00:00.000Z" |
| source | builtin |
| trust_score | 100 |
| provenance_sha | b5a71d8c2e094fb5 |
Sequential Thinking Skill
Installation
Optional standalone executor: The skill can run .claude/tools/optimization/sequential-thinking/executor.py. Requirements:
- Python 3.10+: python.org or
winget install Python.Python.3.12 (Windows), brew install python@3.12 (macOS).
- MCP Python package:
pip install mcp
- If the executor is not present or MCP is not installed, the skill still provides in-context guidance and exits successfully.
Full functionality: The Python script .claude/tools/optimization/sequential-thinking/executor.py must exist for standalone executor runs. Run node .claude/tools/cli/doctor.mjs to verify; doctor warns if the executor is missing.
Cheat Sheet & Best Practices
Frameworks: Polya: (1) Understand the problem (2) Devise a plan (3) Carry out the plan (4) Look back. IDEAL: Identify → Define context → Explore strategies → Act on best → Look back and learn.
Process: Be systematic: preview outcomes, sustain effort, examine from multiple angles, pace and self-monitor. Use diagrams, tables, patterns; break into subgoals; work backwards when useful.
Hacks: Number thoughts (thoughtNumber, totalThoughts); allow revision and branching. Start with an initial step count and refine. Use the MCP sequential-thinking tool for multi-step analysis and hypothesis verification when the full scope is unclear.
Certifications & Training
No cert. Problem-solving frameworks: Polya (Understand → Plan → Execute → Look back), IDEAL (Identify → Define → Explore → Act → Look back). Skill data: Systematic steps; preview outcomes; sustain effort; revise and branch; use diagrams/tables/patterns.
Hooks & Workflows
Suggested hooks: Optional: pre-plan or pre-complex-task hook to suggest sequential-thinking for multi-step tasks. Use with planner (primary) for planning and master-orchestrator when decomposing work.
Workflows: Use with planner (primary). Flow: complex task → load sequential-thinking → emit thoughts (MCP or executor) → revise → act. See core/router-decision for when router assigns planner.
Overview
This skill provides structured problem-solving through a flexible thinking process that can adapt and evolve. Each thought can build on, question, or revise previous insights.
