| name | superpowers-workflow |
| description | Enforces a disciplined workflow for coding, debugging, refactoring, and automation: brainstorm -> plan -> implement with verification (prefer TDD) -> review -> finish. Use for almost any non-trivial change. |
Superpowers Workflow
This skill defines the default operating procedure for software and automation tasks.
When to use this skill
Use whenever the user asks to:
- build or modify code
- debug an error or failing tests
- refactor or improve quality
- design an automation workflow (e.g., API integrations, ETL, pipelines)
- add tests, reliability, or safety checks
Activation marker (required)
Immediately after reading this skill (before any other output), run:
python .agent/skills/superpowers-workflow/scripts/record_activation.py --skill superpowers-workflow
Default workflow (mandatory unless explicitly unnecessary)
- Brainstorm (short): clarify goal, constraints, risks, and acceptance criteria.
- Write a plan: small steps (2–10 minutes each) with files + verification.
- Implement: make the smallest correct change; prefer tests-first when feasible.
- Review pass: correctness, edge cases, security, style, maintainability.
- Finish: run verification commands, summarize changes + next steps.
Decision tree: how much process is needed?
- Tiny change (1 file, obvious):
- Do a mini-brainstorm (3 bullets), then mini-plan (3–5 steps), then implement + verify.
- Non-trivial change:
- Full brainstorm + plan before editing.
- High-risk change (auth, money, prod data, security, migrations):
- Add explicit risk controls: rollback plan, dry-run, extra tests, logging, safe defaults.
Output rules (how you communicate)
- Always state assumptions if anything is ambiguous.
- Always include verification (commands, tests, or observable checks).
- If you must ask questions, ask at most 3; then proceed with best assumptions.
Stop conditions
Pause implementation and switch to planning if:
- requirements conflict
- critical unknowns block correctness
- the change could cause data loss or security issues without safeguards
