planning-with-files

Persistent memory for complex workflows is maintained by creating and updating three markdown files: task_plan.md, findings.md, and progress.md. This on-disk system captures goals, discoveries, and session logs so context survives restarts.

The best way to coordinate research projects is using a phase-driven workflow with persistent files. It enforces structured updates to task_plan.md, findings.md, and progress.md after each phase to guide decisions and retain context.

Set up task planning by creating task_plan.md, findings.md, and progress.md at the start of a complex task. A structured template library provides reference notes to accelerate project setup for research and execution.

You need a file-based memory system when tasks require many tool calls and context must survive sessions. It applies to complex multi-step workflows, research projects, and planning-heavy tasks where session restarts cause context loss.

Yes, you can use markdown files to track progress without losing context. The skill enforces creation of and updates to progress.md, findings.md, and progress.md after each phase to maintain a persistent working memory.