sequential-thinking

# Sequential Thinking Structured problem-solving via manageable, reflective thought sequences with dynamic adjustment. ## When to Apply - Complex problem decomposition - Adaptive planning with revision capability - Analysis needing course correction - Problems with unclear/emerging scope - Multi-step solutions requiring context maintenance - Hypothesis-driven investigation/debugging ## Core Process ### 1. Start with Loose Estimate ``` Thought 1/5: [Initial analysis] ``` Adjust dynamically as understanding evolves. ### 2. Structure Each Thought - Build on previous context explicitly - Address one aspect per thought - State assumptions, uncertainties, realizations - Signal what next thought should address ### 3. Apply Dynamic Adjustment - **Expand**: More complexity discovered → increase total - **Contract**: Simpler than expected → decrease total - **Revise**: New insight invalidates previous → mark revision - **Branch**: Multiple approaches → explore alternatives ### 4. Use Revision When Needed ``` Thought 5/8 [REVISION of Thought 2]: [Corrected understanding] - Original: [What was stated] - Why revised: [New insight] - Impact: [What changes] ``` ### 5. Branch for Alternatives ``` Thought 4/7 [BRANCH A from Thought 2]: [Approach A] Thought 4/7 [BRANCH B from Thought 2]: [Approach B] ``` Compare explicitly, converge with decision rationale. ### 6. Generate & Verify Hypotheses ``` Thought 6/9 [HYPOTHESIS]: [Proposed solution] Thought 7/9 [VERIFICATION]: [Test results] ``` Iterate until hypothesis verified. ### 7. Complete Only When Ready Mark final: `Thought N/N [FINAL]` Complete when: - Solution verified - All critical aspects addressed - Confidence achieved - No outstanding uncertainties ## Application Modes **Explicit**: Use visible thought markers when complexity warrants visible reasoning or user requests breakdown. **Implicit**: Apply methodology internally for routine problem-solving where thinking aids accuracy without cluttering response. ## Scripts (Optional) Optional scripts for deterministic validation/tracking: - `scripts/process-thought.js` - Validate & track thoughts with history - `scripts/format-thought.js` - Format for display (box/markdown/simple) See README.md for usage examples. Use when validation/persistence needed; otherwise apply methodology directly. ## References Load when deeper understanding needed: - `references/core-patterns.md` - Revision & branching patterns - `references/examples-api.md` - API design example - `references/examples-debug.md` - Debugging example - `references/examples-architecture.md` - Architecture decision example - `references/advanced-techniques.md` - Spiral refinement, hypothesis testing, convergence - `references/advanced-strategies.md` - Uncertainty, revision cascades, meta-thinking