Convert technical designs into actionable, sequenced implementation tasks. Create clear coding tasks that enable incremental progress, respect dependencies, and provide a roadmap for systematic feature development.
Convert technical designs into actionable, sequenced implementation tasks. Create clear coding tasks that enable incremental progress, respect dependencies, and provide a roadmap for systematic feature development.
Transform designs into actionable implementation plans. This skill teaches how to create well-structured task lists that enable efficient, systematic development.
Requirements Reference: Which requirements this implements
Completion Criteria: How to know the task is done
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Analyze Design Components
Identify all implementation needs:
Data models and validation
Services and business logic
API endpoints and handlers
UI components
Tests for each layer
Integration points
Step 2: Identify Dependencies
Map what needs to be built first:
Technical: Code dependencies (models before services)
Logical: Feature dependencies (login before profile)
Data: What data must exist first
Step 3: Sequence Tasks
Order tasks to:
Respect dependencies
Enable early validation
Allow incremental testing
Minimize blocking between tasks
Step 4: Write Task Descriptions
For each task, specify:
- [ ] X.Y [Task Title]
- [What to implement]
- [Files to create/modify]
- [Key functionality]
- [Tests to write]
-_Requirements: [Req-1, Req-2]_
Sequencing Strategies
Strategy 1: Foundation-First
Build core infrastructure before features.
1. Project setup and core interfaces
2. Data models and validation
3. Data access layer
4. Business logic services
5. API endpoints
6. Integration and wiring
Best for: New projects, complex systems
Strategy 2: Feature-Slice (Vertical)
Build complete features end-to-end.
1. User registration (complete flow)
2. User authentication (complete flow)
3. User profile management (complete flow)
4. Advanced features
Best for: MVP development, early validation
Strategy 3: Risk-First
Tackle uncertain areas early.
1. Most complex/uncertain components
2. External integrations
3. Core business logic
4. User interface
5. Polish and optimization
Best for: High uncertainty, proof-of-concepts
Strategy 4: Hybrid (Recommended)
Combine approaches pragmatically.
1. Minimal foundation (core interfaces)
2. High-risk/high-value feature slice
3. Expand foundation as needed
4. Additional feature slices
5. Integration and polish
Task Categories
Foundation Tasks
- [ ] 1. Set up project foundation
- [ ] 1.1 Create project structure and interfaces
- Set up directory structure
- Define TypeScript interfaces for core types
- Configure testing framework
-_Requirements: 1.1_
Data Layer Tasks
- [ ] 2. Implement data layer
- [ ] 2.1 Create core data models
- Implement User model with validation
- Add database migrations
- Write unit tests for validation
-_Requirements: 2.1, 2.2_
- [ ] 4. Implement API layer
- [ ] 4.1 Create user endpoints
- Implement POST /users endpoint
- Add request validation
- Write integration tests
-_Requirements: 1.2, 2.3_
Integration Tasks
- [ ] 5. Integration and testing
- [ ] 5.1 Wire up components
- Connect services to API layer
- Implement middleware
- Add end-to-end tests
-_Requirements: 5.1_
Writing Effective Tasks
Good Task Example
- [ ] 2.1 Create User model with validation
- Implement User class with email, password, name fields
- Add email validation (RFC 5322 format)
- Add password validation (8+ chars, mixed case, numbers)
- Write unit tests for valid/invalid scenarios
-_Requirements: 1.2, 2.1_
Poor Task Example
- [ ] 2.1 Build user stuff
- Make user things work
-_Requirements: 1.2_
Task Scope Guidelines
Appropriate: 2-4 hours of focused work
Too Large:
- [ ] 1.1 Implement complete user management system
Too Small:
- [ ] 1.1 Add semicolon to line 42
Just Right:
- [ ] 1.1 Create User model with validation methods
Dependency Management
Types of Dependencies
Technical Dependencies:
- [ ] 1.1 Create database connection ← Foundation
- [ ] 2.1 Create User model ← Depends on 1.1
- [ ] 3.1 Create UserService ← Depends on 2.1
Logical Dependencies:
- [ ] 1.1 User registration ← Must exist first
- [ ] 2.1 User login ← Depends on 1.1
- [ ] 3.1 Password reset ← Depends on 2.1