execplan

name	execplan
description	Create and maintain execution plan files in tmp/ to reduce chat context for multi-step tasks
argument-hint	["task-name"]
disable-model-invocation	true

execplan

Create a living execution plan document that keeps the conversation thread short.

Usage

Invoke this skill when:

• Task has >3 steps
• Implementation will span multiple turns
• Context is getting long and needs offloading

/execplan cv_validation
/execplan pdf_generation_fix

The skill creates tmp/$ARGUMENTS_execplan.md with a structured plan template.

Plan structure

The generated plan file includes:

# Goal
One sentence describing what we're building/fixing.

# Acceptance Criteria
Observable behavior with exact verification commands:
- [ ] `npm test -- cv-visual.spec.ts` passes
- [ ] PDF size < 2 pages
- [ ] Visual diff < 5% threshold

# Plan
1. [ ] Smallest next step
2. [ ] Second step
3. [ ] Third step

# Commands
Exact commands with working directory and expected output.

# Validation
How to verify success (tests, manual checks).

# Recovery
Idempotence notes, rollback commands, retry steps.

# Notes
Append-only log of decisions and rationale with timestamps.

Working with plans

Update as you go:

• Mark steps [x] when completed
• Mark steps [!] if blocked
• Append decisions to Notes section with date

Link in responses: Use markdown links: tmp/cv_validation_execplan.md

Summarize deltas: Don't paste the full plan into chat - only summarize what changed.

Pre-agent gate for AI integration

If the plan involves OpenAI/Claude integration:

• Add acceptance criterion: "Backend dry-run passes (no agent connected)"
• Verify orchestration works before connecting the model
• This prevents debugging agent issues vs backend issues simultaneously

Safety

• No secrets in plan files (use env var names: OPENAI_API_KEY)
• Plans are working files - they don't replace git commits or documentation
• Safe to delete and regenerate if plan becomes stale

Examples

See .claude/workflows/execplan-examples.md for complete workflow examples.