planning-with-files

To manage complex task planning across multiple sessions, use persistent markdown files as external memory. Files survive context limits and session boundaries, allowing you to maintain a structured _plans directory for continuous execution.

Organize external memory files for task management by placing them in a _plans directory with date-prefixed task folders. Create a core plan.md file and add optional research.md, decisions.md, and scratch.md files as the task demands.

Yes, you can use TodoWrite to decompose phases into executable tasks within persistent notes. This approach allows you to break down complex workflows while maintaining traceable decisions in your markdown files.

To ensure traceable decisions before closing a planning session, use Question to confirm findings, decisions, and deliverables. Record these outcomes in decisions.md to maintain a verifiable history of your task progress.

Create a scratch.md file for your planning workflow when a complex task demands temporary notes or intermediate research. It supplements your core plan.md by holding transient information that does not belong in final deliverables.