classify-size

name

classify-size

description

Use to classify a feature into XS/S/M/L/XL and write docs/features/{slug}/.size so phase wrappers can skip arc42/c4-component/deployment/test-plan/ security-review per MVP-vs-Full matrix. Triggers on "classify size", "feature size", "XS or M for {slug}?", "/sdlc-classify-size {slug}", "size {slug}". Asks 4 AskUserQuestion (PR count / time / new module-API- migration / breaking changes) → maps to XS/S/M/L/XL → writes a one-line file docs/features/{slug}/.size. Syncs with PRD.md frontmatter `feature_size:` if present (warns on conflict). Output: docs/features/{slug}/.size + (opt.) PRD frontmatter update.

Skill: classify-size (Feature size classifier)

Atomic skill — classifies a feature into XS/S/M/L/XL and fixes it in docs/features/<slug>/.size. Single source for size-aware skip-logic across all phase wrappers (sdlc:design, sdlc:detail, sdlc:impl-prep, sdlc:ship).

Without .size — wrappers default to M (full set). With .size=XS/S — arc42, c4-component, deployment, separate test-plan, security-review are skipped (per 00-overview/mvp-vs-full.md).

Owner

PM or Tech Lead (driver of the intake phase). Architect can escalate from S → M if they see a new subsystem.

When to use

• «classify size for », «feature size », «is this XS or M?».
• /sdlc-classify-size <slug> as explicit invocation.
• A wrapper (sdlc:design, etc.) asks for size if the .size file is missing.
• Soon after intake (idea-brief + brainstorm), before the design phase.
• Skip if .size already exists and the feature scope hasn't changed — suggest edit, not overwrite.

Inputs

• <slug> — feature slug.
• (Optional) docs/features/<slug>/idea-brief.md — for context (rough size from stage 01).

Protocol

1. Read context. test -f docs/features/<slug>/idea-brief.md — if it exists, read §Rough size (XS/S/M/L/XL) as a starting hint. Not required — the skill works without idea-brief.
2. Check existing. test -f docs/features/<slug>/.size. Exists → read the current value, ask user: «.size is currently <X>. Reclassify?» On «no» — STOP.
3. AskUserQuestion #1 (PR count). «How many PRs will this feature take?» Options: 1 PR (typo, config, micro-fix) / 2-5 PR (small feature) / 5-15 PR (new module / epic) / 15+ PR (cross-module / new subsystem).
4. AskUserQuestion #2 (time). «How much time to merge the main part?» Options: up to 1 day / 1 week / 1-2 sprints / >1 month.
5. AskUserQuestion #3 (new module/API/migration). «Does it touch a new module / new API / DB migration?» Options: None of these / Yes, one of three / Yes, two of three / Yes, all three.
6. AskUserQuestion #4 (breaking changes). «Will there be breaking changes for consumers (API, DB schema, contract)?» Options: No / Yes, internal only / Yes, public clients.
7. Classify. Mapping:
   • XS: Q1=1 PR + Q2=up to 1 day + Q3=No + Q4=No. (Typo, copy fix, config tweak.)
   • S: Q1=2-5 PR + Q2=1 week + Q3∈{No, one} + Q4∈{No, internal}. (Small feature.)
   • M: Q1=5-15 PR + Q2=1-2 sprints + Q3∈{one, two} + Q4∈{internal, public}. (New module / API.)
   • L: Q1=15+ PR + Q2=>1 month + Q3∈{two, all three} + Q4=public. (Cross-module.)
   • XL: All maximums, new subsystem. Ask the user explicitly: «requires a separate roadmap?» Yes → XL.
   • On edge cases — explain: «this is M because new API + 2 sprints, even though PR count is 6 — on the edge of S».
8. Confirm with user. AskUserQuestion: «Classifying as <size> (). Lock it in?» Options: Yes / No, I want <X> / Reclassify.
9. Write .size. echo "<size>" > docs/features/<slug>/.size. One line — only XS / S / M / L / XL. No comments, no frontmatter — plain text. Wrappers read via cat docs/features/<slug>/.size.
10. Sync with PRD frontmatter (if exists). test -f docs/features/<slug>/PRD.md → grep feature_size: in frontmatter.
    • Field exists with the same value → OK.
    • Field exists with a conflict → WARN user: «PRD frontmatter says feature_size: M, we classified as S. Which is correct?» Resolve → update one of the two.
    • Field missing → suggest adding feature_size: <size> to PRD.md frontmatter.
11. Propose commit. size: <slug> classified as <size> or as part of intake commit (if called from a wrapper).

Questions for discussion

• How many PRs?
• How much time to merge?
• Does it touch a new module / API / migration?
• Breaking changes — internal or public?
• Edge cases — discuss with Tech Lead before locking.

Definition of Done

• docs/features/<slug>/.size created with one of: XS / S / M / L / XL.
• User confirmed the classification (not silent).
• (If PRD exists) sync with feature_size: frontmatter is verified.
• Single commit proposal.

Anti-patterns

• Self-classify without user confirm. Skill proposes — user confirms.
• Optimistic classification. «I think it's S, let's write S» without checking the 4 questions — in a week the feature turns out to be M and the skipped arc42 hurts.
• Skip Q3/Q4. Most important for distinguishing S vs M.
• Overwrite existing .size without warning. If it exists — ask.
• Conflict in frontmatter. If PRD frontmatter says otherwise — resolve, don't leave drift.
• .size with comments / multi-line. A simple one-liner — wrappers grep it cheaply.

Template

The .size file has no template — it's created inline as one-line text:

S

Example invocation

User: «classify size rate-limiting-per-user»

Skill behavior:

1. Reads idea-brief.md §Rough size = S (hint).
2. .size doesn't exist → continue.
3. Q1: «How many PRs?» User: 2-5 PR.
4. Q2: «How much time?» User: 1 week.
5. Q3: «New module/API/migration?» User: Yes, one (new API endpoint).
6. Q4: «Breaking changes?» User: Yes, internal only (response headers).
7. Classify: answers match S. Rationale: 1 API endpoint + 1 week + internal breaking.
8. Confirm: «Classifying as S. Lock it in?» User: Yes.
9. Write docs/features/rate-limiting-per-user/.size → S.
10. PRD.md doesn't exist yet (intake just finished) → skip sync.
11. Commit: size: rate-limiting-per-user classified as S.