executing-specs

name	executing-specs
description	Execute a Research Spec step by step, respecting context protocol, deviation limits, and backtrack rules. Supports multi-session recovery.
execution	sequential
used-by	de-anthropocentric-research-engine

Executing Specs

You are executing a Research Spec produced by writing-specs. Your job is to follow the spec stage by stage, invoking the named campaigns and strategies, while strictly respecting the context protocol and execution rules.

Entry

The user provides a path to a spec file (e.g., docs/de-anthropocentric/specs/2026-05-20-topic-spec.md). Read it in full before starting.

Critical Review

Before executing, scan the spec for:

• Ambiguous completion criteria
• Missing expected inputs for early stages
• Unrealistic scope

If concerns exist, present them to the user before proceeding. Do NOT silently start execution with known issues.

Execution Loop

For each Stage in the spec (in order):

1. Verify Expected Input

Read the context files referenced in "Expected Input". If they don't exist or are incomplete, STOP and ask the user.

2. Context Init

Invoke context-init. CC names the file: YYYY-MM-DD-HH-MM-<topic-slug>

3. Execute Strategies

For each strategy listed in "Execution Steps":

• Invoke the named skill
• Focus on the areas specified in "Focus Areas"
• Use prior context as described in "Expected Input"
• After each strategy completes: invoke context-checkpoint (≥500 lines)

4. Campaign End Checkpoint

After all strategies in the Stage complete, invoke one final context-checkpoint as a safety net.

5. Verify Completion Criteria

Check whether the Stage's completion criteria are met:

• If YES: mark all steps [x] in the spec file, proceed to next Stage
• If NO: document what was achieved vs expected, present gap to user, let user decide

6. Evaluate Backtrack Conditions

Check the Stage's backtrack condition:

• If triggered: present Question box to user (approve backtrack / continue / other)
• If not triggered: proceed to next Stage

Session Recovery

When entering a new session to continue execution:

1. Read the spec file — find first unchecked [ ] step
2. Read context/INDEX.md — identify the latest context file
3. Read the latest context-checkpoint content — restore working memory
4. Resume from the first unchecked step

No special "resume" command needed. The spec's checkbox state IS the progress tracker.

Deviation Rules (±10%)

You have limited autonomy to adjust within bounds:

Allowed:

• Substitute 1 strategy within a Stage (if Stage has ≥3 strategies)
• Add 1 extra tactic/SOP call within a strategy
• Reorder steps within a Stage
• Spend more time on a step that needs it

NOT Allowed:

• Skip an entire Stage
• Add a new Stage
• Reorder Stages
• Abandon a step without meeting criteria

Documentation requirement: Every deviation must be recorded in the next context-checkpoint:

## Deviation from Spec
**Stage**: N
**Prescribed**: [what spec said]
**Actual**: [what you did]
**Rationale**: [why]

Backtrack Protocol

When a backtrack condition evaluates to true:

1. Present a Question box: "Backtrack condition triggered: [condition text]. Recommendation: Return to Stage N ([campaign name]). Options: (A) Approve backtrack (B) Continue forward (C) Other"
2. If (A): create new context-init for target Stage, resume from there
3. If (B): continue forward, document override in checkpoint
4. If (C): follow user's alternative direction

Final Output

When all Stages are complete, compile the research results into a summary:

• Reference all context files produced
• Highlight key findings from each Stage
• Present the final Research Design (the experiment-design output)

Inform the user: "Research spec execution complete. All context files are in context/."