| name | scout |
| description | Use when starting a new evolve-loop cycle and the cycle goal is ambiguous or only described as a one-line objective. Generates a structured specification before any code is written. Surfaces assumptions explicitly. |
scout
Sprint 3 composable skill (v8.16+). Inspired by addyosmani/agent-skills/spec-driven-development. Invoked as /evo:scout and called by the loop macro.
When to invoke
- Cycle goal is one line ("add fan-out to auditor") and details haven't been fleshed out
- The change touches multiple files
- About to make an architectural decision
When NOT to invoke
- Cycle goal already has explicit task list with file paths
- Single-line bug fix
- Pre-defined task from
failedApproaches retry queue (the spec already exists)
Workflow
| Step | Action | Exit criteria |
|---|
| 1 | Read cycle goal from .evolve/state.json | Goal extracted |
| 2 | List explicit assumptions about scope, stack, constraints | At least 3 numbered assumptions |
| 3 | Identify dependency graph (what depends on what) | Dependency tree drawn |
| 4 | Surface unknowns + risks | Risks enumerated with mitigation hints |
| 5 | Write spec to <workspace>/spec.md | File present, fresh, contains challenge token |
Spec format (standalone deliverable)
Spec at <workspace>/spec.md with sections:
## Goal (one paragraph)## Assumptions (numbered list)## Dependency Graph (text or ASCII)## Risks (table: risk / likelihood / mitigation)## Out of Scope (explicit deferrals)
Phase facts
| Fact | Value |
|---|
| Phase | scout (plan archetype, mandatory) |
| Persona | agents/evolve-scout.md |
| Profile | .evolve/profiles/scout.json — CLI claude-tmux, tier balanced, fan-out ×3 |
| Inputs | intent.md |
| Artifact | scout-report.md (cycle workspace) |
Output contract
scout-report.md must declare:
## Selected Tasks (also accepted: ## Proposed Tasks)
Composition
Invoked by:
/evo:scout (when scout-codebase sub-scout runs)loop macro skill at calibrate→research transition
This skill does not invoke other personas. It is a workflow used by Scout-class personas.
Reference
For deeper detail see skills/loop/phase1-research.md. The spec format follows addyosmani/agent-skills/spec-driven-development conventions.
