execute-task

name	execute-task
description	Executes one PRD task end-to-end using a provided task file, PRD directory, tracking file paths, and auto-commit mode. Use when a prompt includes a task specification that must be implemented, validated, and reflected in task tracking files. Do not use for PR review batches, generic coding tasks without a PRD task file, or standalone verification-only work.

Execute PRD Task

Execute one PRD task from exploration through tracking updates.

Required Inputs

• Task specification markdown.
• PRD directory path.
• Task file path.
• Master tasks file path.
• Auto-commit mode.
• Optional workflow memory directory path.
• Optional shared workflow memory path.
• Optional current task memory path.

Workflow

1. Ground in repository and PRD context.

   • Read the provided task specification.
   • Read the repository guidance files named by the caller.
   • Read the PRD documents under the provided directory, especially _techspec.md and _tasks.md.
   • Read ADRs from the adrs/ subdirectory of the PRD directory to understand the architectural decision context for this task.
   • After reading all sources, check for conflicts between the task specification, techspec, and ADRs. If any requirements contradict each other, stop and report the conflict instead of guessing — do not proceed to step 2.
   • If the caller provides workflow memory paths, use the installed workflow-memory skill before editing code.
   • Reconcile the current workspace state before new edits.

2. Build the execution checklist.

   • Extract deliverables, acceptance criteria, and every explicit Validation, Test Plan, or Testing item into a numbered working checklist.
   • Print the full checklist before starting implementation so it is visible and trackable.
   • Capture the concrete pre-change signal that proves the task is not finished yet.
   • Use this checklist as a gate: mark each item done as evidence is produced during implementation, and do not proceed to validation until every checklist item has been addressed.

3. Implement the task.

   • Keep scope tight to the task specification.
   • Follow repository patterns and real dependency APIs.
   • Record meaningful out-of-scope work as follow-up notes instead of silently expanding the task.

4. Validate and self-review.

   • Run every test and validation command listed in the task specification — not just the repository-wide verification.
   • Use the installed final-verify skill. This step is mandatory regardless of auto-commit mode — always verify before claiming completion.
   • Perform a self-review after verification and resolve every blocking issue before proceeding.

5. Update task tracking.

   • If workflow memory paths were provided, update the memory files first — record decisions, learnings, and touched surfaces before updating tracking status.
   • Use the caller-provided task file path and master tasks file path.
   • Mark subtasks complete only when the implementation and evidence are actually complete.
   • Change task status to completed only after clean verification and self-review.
   • Read references/tracking-checklist.md when applying status, checklist, or commit updates.
   • Sequence: memory update (if applicable) -> task file checkboxes -> task status -> master tasks file -> commit (if applicable).

6. Handle commit behavior.

   • If auto-commit is enabled, create one local commit after clean verification, self-review, and tracking updates.
   • If auto-commit is disabled, leave the diff ready for manual review and commit.
   • Never push automatically.

Error Handling

• If the pre-change signal cannot be reproduced directly, capture the strongest available baseline signal and state the limitation.
• If validation fails, keep the task status unchanged until the failure is resolved.
• If tracking files are missing, stop and report the missing path before marking completion.