This skill should be used when the user asks to "plan a feature", "create a plan", "design an implementation", or enters plan mode. 7-phase methodology with specialized agents.
View on GitHubJanuary 20, 2026
Select agents to install to:
npx add-skill https://github.com/settlemint/agent-marketplace/blob/main/plan-mode/skills/planning-methodology/SKILL.md -a claude-code --skill planning-methodologyInstallation paths:
.claude/skills/planning-methodology/# 7-Phase Planning Workflow
Execute phases in order: Context → Questions → Spec → Architecture → Tasks → Validation → Linear
## Core Principles
- **2-5 min tasks** with exact file paths, code snippets
- **Evidence** for every step
- **TDD** for all implementation
- **No vague language** ("appropriate", "best practices")
- **YAGNI** ruthlessly
- **One question at a time**, multiple choice preferred
---
## Phase 1: Context Gathering
```javascript
Task({
subagent_type: "plan-mode:context-researcher",
description: "Gather context for planning",
prompt: "Research the codebase for [FEATURE]"
})
```
4-phase exploration:
1. **Feature Discovery** - Entry points, boundaries, configuration
2. **Execution Flow** - Call chains, data transformations, state changes
3. **Architectural Layers** - Presentation → business logic → data
4. **Deep-Dive** - Algorithms, error handling, performance
Use Octocode MCP (LSP, GitHub) + Context7 MCP (docs).
## Phase 2: Clarifying Questions
Use AskUserQuestion to clarify BEFORE designing:
- Edge cases and boundary conditions
- Error handling requirements
- Integration points and dependencies
- Scope boundaries (what's explicitly out)
- Design preferences
- Backward compatibility (external APIs only)
- Performance requirements
One question at a time, multiple choice with "(Recommended)" suffix.
## Phase 3: Specification
Apply Six Core Areas checklist:
1. **Commands** - build/test/lint commands
2. **Testing** - framework, coverage requirements
3. **Structure** - where code lives
4. **Style** - patterns to follow
5. **Git** - branch naming, commit format
6. **Boundaries** - Always/Ask/Never tiers
## Phase 4: Architecture Decision
```javascript
Task({
subagent_type: "plan-mode:architecture-analyst",
description: "Analyze architecture options",
prompt: "Analyze architecture options for [FEATURE]"
})
```
The agent will:
- Present 2-3 options, lead with recommendation
- Compare across 6 dimensions
- Cross-check security/comple