writing-plans

Generate executable implementation plans from feature specifications into dated docs/plans files.

6|Updated Jan 29, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/christopher-buss/skills --skill writing-plans-christopher-buss
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: writing-plans
Source: https://github.com/christopher-buss/skills/tree/main/skills/writing-plans
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/christopher-buss/skills --skill writing-plans-christopher-buss

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

This Skill automates the creation of detailed, executable implementation plans from a feature specification, reducing ambiguity and setup time for engineering teams.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Structured Plan Generation: Produces step-by-step tasks, including files to touch, tests to write, docs to update, and commit history guidance.
  • Standardized Output: Saves plans to docs/plans/YYYY-MM-DD-<feature-name>.md with consistent formatting and sections.
  • Lifecycle Fit: Supports multiple features and work-in-progress scenarios; aligns with TDD, DRY, and YAGNI principles.

Quick Start

Announce at start: "I'm using the writing-plans skill to create the implementation plan." Then provide a feature name and let the skill generate and save the plan to docs/plans/YYYY-MM-DD-<feature-name>.md, with a bite-sized task breakdown.

Frequently Asked Questions about writing-plans

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I generate an implementation plan from a feature specification?

To generate an implementation plan from a feature specification, provide the feature name to produce a step-by-step task breakdown saved to docs/plans/YYYY-MM-DD-<feature-name>.md, detailing files to touch, tests, and commits.

What is the best way to break down complex engineering tasks into actionable steps?

Breaking down complex engineering tasks into actionable steps involves applying DRY, YAGNI, and TDD principles to create bite-sized tasks, ensuring clear documentation of files, tests, and commit history guidance within a standardized markdown plan.

How does writing-plans support test-driven development lifecycle scenarios?

Writing-plans supports test-driven development lifecycle scenarios by enforcing TDD principles within the generated plan, explicitly documenting the tests to write alongside the files to touch and commits to make for each task.

Can I use this approach for multiple work-in-progress software features simultaneously?

Yes, you can use this approach for multiple work-in-progress software features simultaneously, as it generates standardized, independently saved markdown files in the docs/plans directory to track each feature's lifecycle separately.

What format does the generated task documentation follow?

The generated task documentation follows a standardized markdown format saved to docs/plans/YYYY-MM-DD-<feature-name>.md, containing consistent sections for files to touch, tests, docs, and commit history.

Does the generated plan include commit history guidance?

Yes, the generated plan includes commit history guidance, alongside specifying the files to touch, tests to write, and documentation to update for every step of the feature implementation.