sequential-thinking

# Sequential Thinking

Structured problem-solving through iterative reasoning with revision and branching capabilities.

## When to Use

This skill is ideal for:

- **Complex problem decomposition** - Breaking down multi-faceted challenges
- **Design planning** - Systematic approach to architecture decisions
- **Uncertain scope** - Tasks where the full scope emerges during analysis
- **Root-cause analysis** - Tracing issues through multiple layers
- **Epic breakdown** - Decomposing large features into manageable tasks
- **Spec writing** - Structuring complex technical specifications
- **Complexity assessment** - Evaluating task difficulty and risks

## How It Works

### Core Approach

1. **Start with initial thought** - Express your first understanding of the problem
2. **Iterate through reasoning** - Work through the problem step by step
3. **Adjust scope dynamically** - Update your estimate of total steps as understanding deepens
4. **Revise when needed** - Reconsider previous conclusions if assumptions change
5. **Branch for alternatives** - Explore different approaches when multiple paths exist
6. **Conclude** - Synthesize findings when sufficient analysis is complete

### Key Principles

**Progressive Refinement**: Start with rough estimates, refine as you go

**Explicit Uncertainty**: Acknowledge what you don't know within reasoning steps

**Revision Over Perfection**: Better to revise than get stuck on initial assumptions

**Branch When Valuable**: Explore alternatives when decision has significant impact

## Instructions

### Step-by-Step Process

**1. Initial Assessment**

Begin with your first understanding:
```
Thought 1/5 (rough estimate):
Understanding the problem - [describe what you see]
Key unknowns: [list what's unclear]
Initial approach: [high-level strategy]
```

**2. Iterative Reasoning**

Work through each step systematically:
```
Thought 2/7 (adjusted from 5):
[Current reasoning step]
- Key insight: [what you learned]
- Implication: [what this