| name | next-task |
| description | Use to start or resume implementation of the next available task — picks the next TODO task, reads its acceptance criteria, and drives implementation to completion. Trigger keywords: next task, start task, implement task, execute task. |
Next Task — Execution Entry Point
Overview
Picks the next available task from docs/ia/tasks/ and drives its full implementation cycle.
Core principle: One task at a time. Finish before moving on.
When to Use
- Tasks exist in the backlog with
Status: TODO
- Resuming a task that is
IN_PROGRESS
- Any time implementation work should start
Procedure
Step 1 — Find the Next Task
ls docs/ia/tasks/
Read each task file and find the first with Status: TODO or Status: IN_PROGRESS. Prioritize IN_PROGRESS tasks.
If no tasks exist → "No tasks in the backlog. Run /brainstorm to create one."
Step 2 — Load Task Context
Read the task file fully. Extract:
- Objective
- Acceptance criteria
- Implementation notes
- Whether a design pass is needed
If Needs design pass: YES and no Figma work has been done → suggest running /refine-design before implementation.
Step 3 — Update Task Status
Edit the task file: change Status: TODO → Status: IN_PROGRESS.
Confirm the correct git branch is active:
git branch --show-current
If not on the task's branch, switch:
git checkout feat/<slug>
Step 4 — Implement
Execute the implementation guided by the acceptance criteria. Apply all project rules:
- Server Components by default (
"use client" only when needed)
@/* path alias, never @/src/...
- Brand tokens:
bg-brand, bg-brand-dark, bg-off-white
font-sans-condensed for headings and specs
cn() for conditional classes
- No comments unless WHY is non-obvious
Read relevant existing files before writing new code. Extend don't replace.
Step 5 — Validate
pnpm tsc --noEmit
pnpm lint
Fix all errors before proceeding.
Step 6 — Verify Acceptance Criteria
Go through each criterion in the task file. Mark completed ones:
- [x] <criterion>
Step 7 — Update Task Status
Edit the task file: change Status: IN_PROGRESS → Status: REVIEW.
Step 8 — Announce Completion
Report:
- What was implemented (summary)
- Files changed
- All acceptance criteria met: YES/NO
- Next step: run
/create-pr
Integration
Called after: /create-task (or directly if tasks exist)
Optional next: /refine-design (if design pass needed)
Required next: /create-pr → /code-review