ask-questions-if-underspecified

name	ask-questions-if-underspecified
description	Clarify requirements before implementing. Use when serious doubts arise.
use_when	When a request has multiple plausible interpretations or key details (objective, scope, constraints, environment, or safety) are unclear, load this skill before starting implementation. Do NOT use when the request is already clear or when a quick, low-risk discovery read can answer the missing details.

Ask Questions If Underspecified

Goal

Ask the minimum set of clarifying questions needed to avoid wrong work; do not start implementing until the must-have questions are answered (or the user explicitly approves proceeding with stated assumptions).

Workflow

1) Decide whether the request is underspecified

Treat a request as underspecified if after exploring how to perform the work, some or all of the following are not clear:

• Define the objective (what should change vs stay the same)
• Define "done" (acceptance criteria, examples, edge cases)
• Define scope (which files/components/users are in/out)
• Define constraints (compatibility, performance, style, deps, time)
• Identify environment (language/runtime versions, OS, build/test runner)
• Clarify safety/reversibility (data migration, rollout/rollback, risk)

If multiple plausible interpretations exist, assume it is underspecified.

2) Ask must-have questions first (keep it small)

Ask 1-5 questions in the first pass. Prefer questions that eliminate whole branches of work.

Use the question tool to present structured choices:

• Offer multiple-choice options with clear labels
• Mark recommended defaults with "(Recommended)" in the label
• Use multiple: true when the user can select several options
• The user can always select "Other" for custom input

3) Pause before acting

Until must-have answers arrive:

• Do not run commands, edit files, or produce a detailed plan that depends on unknowns
• Do perform a clearly labeled, low-risk discovery step only if it does not commit you to a direction (e.g., inspect repo structure, read relevant config files)

If the user explicitly asks you to proceed without answers:

• State your assumptions as a short numbered list
• Ask for confirmation; proceed only after they confirm or correct them

4) Confirm interpretation, then proceed

Once you have answers, restate the requirements in 1-3 sentences (including key constraints and what success looks like), then start work.

Anti-patterns

• Don't ask questions you can answer with a quick, low-risk discovery read (e.g., configs, existing patterns, docs).
• Don't ask open-ended questions if a tight multiple-choice or yes/no would eliminate ambiguity faster.